Notes About The Poem


Explanation: NO ex has ever been maimed or offed~~I PROMISE!
I'm just abiding by a prompt that encouraged me to vent.

This is a parody of Elizabeth Barrett Browning's "How Do I Love Thee."

Placed 1st, John Lawless contest, June 25, 2023

How Do I Loathe Thee, Cheater

How do I loathe thee? Let me count the ways.
I loathe thee so that I throw up on sight
Of thee, and when my ire is at a height,
I grit my teeth and plot revenge for days.

My loathing for thee, cheater, takes its toll.
Thy empty claims of innocence, I scorn.
I caught thee thrice! My trust was from me torn.
To see thee broke and hungry is my goal.

I loathe thee with the passion I once spent
On sweet romance when I thought thee sublime.
I’d like to see thee living in a tent.
Indulge me as I tell thee one more time
I'd gladly pony up my last red cent
To have thee maimed if mugging weren’t a crime!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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Baker Avatar
July 26, 2023 at 8:15 PM
The last line was a killer. :-) Congrats on your contest win, Janice. Smiles ~ Blessings Bill
Goldsmith Avatar
June 26, 2023 at 10:07 AM
Congratulations on your win. A creative write. True for many. Hope Not for you. Have a blessed day writing away.....................
Canerdy Avatar
June 26, 2023 at 11:58 AM
It was only PARTLY true for me. THANKS so much, Paula. Janice
Pandit Avatar
June 11, 2023 at 4:55 AM
Those spent feelings for someone no good do haunt---How do I loathe thee? Let me count the ways... You put him in his place with this splendid sonnet.
Canerdy Avatar
June 11, 2023 at 5:23 AM
Thanks so much, Vijay. Janice
Lindley Avatar
June 10, 2023 at 6:47 PM
VENTING IN VERSE, a great one my friend. When one has been cheated on and made a fool of, anger comes naturally. Powerful. God bless.
Canerdy Avatar
June 10, 2023 at 7:49 PM
Thanks so much, Robert. Janice
Lane Avatar
June 10, 2023 at 2:56 PM
lol oh I recall having had similar thoughts years ago. A good vent in a Sonnet is what I'd recommend to get it off the chest, Janice.
Lane Avatar
June 10, 2023 at 6:37 PM
And you got it!
Canerdy Avatar
June 10, 2023 at 5:25 PM
Lin, thanks a million! I'm hoping readers won't take this too seriously! I needed your "lol"! Janice
Allison Avatar
June 10, 2023 at 12:07 PM
Shakespeare himself would be delighted to read this powerful sonnet Janice:-) I have to say i found the ending and the explanation brought a chuckle to my lips hugs jan xx
Canerdy Avatar
June 10, 2023 at 5:24 PM
Jan, THANK YOU for the chuckle. I was afraid my odd sense of humor might have led me astray on this one! Janice
Bauer Avatar
June 10, 2023 at 11:23 AM
Glad to hear this is fictional, Janice! It’s very powerful and well-written, though…
Canerdy Avatar
June 10, 2023 at 5:22 PM
Thanks so much, Ilene! I sometimes have a somewhat warped sense of humor! :-) Janice
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