June 24, 2010

Please Don't Be Angry (BTP#8)

Instead of using the exact idea of the prompt at http://bigtentpoetry.org , (not knowing how to write about a topic) I took it to a slightly different place...how to find the right words to TELL someone something negative when it's absolutely necessary without causing a bigger problem...(Isn't this something we all struggle with from time to time?)

How do I tell you
without invoking a stoning-
or acrimonious torrent
of off topic vitriol?

I don't think you're stupid
(maybe slap-dash or lazy)
but that's something I'm used to
like traffic or television.

If it wasn't so blinding,
like a huge neon billboard
forcing my focus
and ruining the view.

Or if this had happened
on your own desert island
and not thrust hard upon me
like some prison tattoo.

I would not have to tell you
that the chaos you created
while refusing assistance
must now be demolished....

along with our relationship.
.
.

20 comments:

  1. Was there something you wanted to tell me, Cynthia?! Good poem!

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  2. Oh, it's final, then! I don't think I've ever read a poem like this -women so often partake of the culture of whining and I am so relieved to find that is emphatically not here. Rather it seems a poem where the narrator is practicing the confrontation to come, and how she will extricate herself from a relationship that is clearly not working for her. In my reading, she is clear, strong, determined, and with good reason. I like that the reasons are only hinted at (the chaos you created). Like a strong wind, this poem is full of passion!

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  3. A very strong and passionate piece! Thanks for sharing!

    -Weasel

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  4. i like not knowing what the exact thing is. "how do i tell you" -- the question itself -- is strong enough for the piece. and you give us a good sense of how difficult it's been.

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  5. The finality of it all is what struck me, Cynthia.

    Your frustration shows quite clearly.

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  6. demolished...
    along with our relationship

    Very strong words. How you feel comes through with power! Extremely well written!

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  7. This is the poem I was trying to write and couldn't. Mine was far more brutal and terribly disturbing to me. Hats off to you for getting the job done, well.

    Elizabeth

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  8. Pithy poem. So that's how it's done! :)

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  9. All I can say Is WOW, very very good job!!!

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  10. Derrick has that effect on a lot of people Cynthia.You should forgive him because he writes good sonnets. Enjoyed your poem.

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  11. Good poem, but ever-surious, I do what to know what he did!
    ViV

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  12. This is one of my very favorite of yours, Cynthia. :0)

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  13. I stopped by earlier, thought I left a comment, but apparently not. Sorry.

    Thoroughly enjoyed this strong work, esp the default prison tat. Well done.

    And thanks for stopping by the Eggs.

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  14. "How do I tell you" ... it seems you found the perfect way to say it! Well done, Cynthia!

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  15. Cynthia
    Quite the powerful poem!
    Pamela

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  16. Strong emotions, lovely words

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  17. I'm a bit confrontation averse, so I struggle with this quite a bit. I like the "prison tattoo" image... very jarring.

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  18. God, I LOVE this poem!I can relate to it in terms of how I felt when I was cheated on by someone. The ruining the view part, especially, can be interpreted in terms of- w/o my consent.

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  19. Cynthia..I love this poem! Your sentiments mirror my own...you hit that universal good poems embrace. Well done. Love it. Now if only i could muster the courage to be so confrontational myself. :)

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  20. I really like this.

    http://thelaughinghousewife.wordpress.com

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