What is the first thing you think of when you hear the word “tortured” in connection with love? At first, we might be inclined to think of those intense feelings we associate with loving someone so much it hurts. Young love is fraught with the feeling but as we age and mature does it grow in a different way? And if so, how?
Torture is defined as “the action or practice of inflicting severe pain on someone as a punishment or to force them to do or say something, or for the pleasure of the person inflicting the pain. “ But how often are we the ones inflicting pain upon ourselves in the course of growing or maintaining our relationships? Have you ever deliberately hurt someone you love and thereby tortured them, whether through passive aggression or a more vocal/physical action? Have you ever reacted in anger without thought how it would hurt someone else, especially yourself? And did you apologize or make amends?
Prompt:
Love doesn’t always go well. There are bumps and holes and even chasms we have to figure out how to get across or around lest we fall, or else stay where we are. The hard and painful parts of love are necessary for the relationship to grow. Explore the feeling of being “tortured” and how it is a necessary part of love.
Word Prompts:
Afflict
Excruciating
Torment
Agonizing
Distress
Alternately
Appease
Aid
Comfort
Heal
Soothe
Relieve
Suggested Form:
A Senryu is basically a haiku but it deals with human nature and emotions rather than only the natural world. For those of you wanting more of a challenge try the Terza Rima.
Song Prompt:
Merril Bainbridge-State of Mind
Make sure to leave a link to your poem in the comments here so we can all visit and leave constructive/positive comments. Try to visit and comment on at least three different participants if you can. Thank you.
Remember, our prompts are only suggestions, you can find your inspiration wherever your muse leads you. Please visit the other participants, share the hashtag, #OctPoWriMo on social media, and share your link in the comments below. Let us know how this journey into poetry is going for you.
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