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The Screen Flickers

Thoughts flood my mind when I’m alone Close to my computer I am sin prone These flames of lust they flicker within me Images intertwined begging me to see This empty eroticism promises of ecstasy I know this is my prison still I don’t want to be set free Curved and supple together bodies mingle My eyes long to breath in a promised tingle This inward hunger begs me to enter That feeling of heat grows within my centre Firm supple images naked and slender No drugs or alcohol but it’s still a bender With my physical release a strangled scream Within a moment emotions extreme Shame overtakes me eyes look away Temporarily satiatiated but I’m far from okay I can’t forgive myself and I’m too ashamed to pray. Is this just a male issue? I’m curious to hear your thoughts. This poem was written as a result of meeting with a men’s group and the subsequent conversation.

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Kurt Ravidas

Date: 8/30/2019 3:41:00 PM

A person feels ashamed if he does something bad. Okay. Does a handworker do bad? Maybe. But what if we compare him, say, to a rapist? Lust drives them both, but what a different outcome. It turns out that poor handworker is not so bad. Feel free to pray, buddy, just don't forget to wash your hands first) The problem is that bad is relative, like any moral judgment. As we can see, there are even gradients of bad)

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 8/30/2019 4:45:00 PM

Ha ha, an amusing response. ;0)

Maria Williams

Date: 6/11/2018 3:26:00 AM

Perhaps this might answer the question. Profound thoughts by Sadguru....Maria https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dMqXHQX-H4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZAkce5dE9M

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 6/11/2018 8:24:00 AM

Thanks Maria, I will check it out.

Darlene De Beaulieu

Date: 6/8/2018 1:57:00 PM

Hello Richard, do not be ashamed to pray. Prayer is for everyone. Have a nice day my friend.

Darlene De Beaulieu
Date: 6/9/2018 1:14:00 PM

Glad to hear it.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 6/8/2018 2:20:00 PM

No worries, I pray daily.;0)

Honestly J.T.

Date: 5/27/2018 10:36:00 PM

Interesting poem on pornography -JT

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 5/27/2018 10:48:00 PM

Thanks J.T.

Nette Onclaud

Date: 5/11/2018 4:41:00 PM

immediate self-gratification is the staple of this generation and many are afflicted with this psychological ' disease..' may we be more vigilant and encourage especially the youth to indulge in life-giving pursuits, rich... hugggs

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 5/11/2018 6:26:00 PM

I think that has been the case for many generations. The difference I think is easy access. Thanks for adding your thoughts. A big hug back to you Nette.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 5/10/2018 6:47:00 PM

I guess I am not like the other women here. I am not drawn to pornography at all. It repulses me. When I see women on comedy shows oohing over strip tease men, I find it comical how they are trying to act like men. I admit that if I am into a really good movie with a great love scene, I can feel turned on by it. I enjoy the feeling of love or romance behind it. I could say a lot more (it may be the way my sisters and I were raised) but I'll stop here! I think Arturo had a great comment.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 5/10/2018 7:09:00 PM

I have to say for myself I prefer erotica as the story/mystery and relationship is more exciting than just watching people go at it. I think many women would agree with you summation. Thanks for adding your thoughts.

Vijay Pandit

Date: 5/10/2018 3:33:00 PM

Kudos Richard for writing about this..I think Arturo best described the human reaction to impulses. Everyone has them, some control better than others. You venture into themes most don't dare to..compliments Richard!

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 5/10/2018 5:02:00 PM

Thanks Vijay, I was hoping it wasn’t considered in bad taste. At first I wasn’t sure due to limited response. Thanks for adding your perspective.

Maria Williams

Date: 5/10/2018 9:24:00 AM

In answer to your question Richard, I commend your courage to write and ask this question. It's an involuntary natural response both men and women feel in erotic situations, but don't admit due to conditioning. Nature made both genders to attract - No one should feel guilt or shame - Nor would Nature expect it. I agree with Arturo about the chocolates though - however, over indulgence would take away the thrill - perhaps then it can be called an addiction if it interferes with real relationships - but who's to judge!...Maria :)

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 5/10/2018 9:34:00 AM

Well expressed Maria. I think your comment is thoughtful and sensitively expressed.

Arturo Michael

Date: 5/9/2018 1:39:00 PM

If the chocolate's sweet you'll eat morning noon and night...it's a human thing, how to keep in check, is relative...but nothing must control...All the best Richard

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 5/9/2018 3:06:00 PM

Interesting way to express, thanks Arturo.

Alexis Y.

Date: 5/9/2018 1:37:00 PM

Hi Richard, This is not just a gender issue . I don't know if it is as intense but females ( my own experience ) suffer from this addiction as well. I can definitely relate to the overwhelming feeling of shame one feels afterwards.PS, answering your question made me feel vulnerable and free at the same time. I enjoy reading about "real" issues:-) Alexis

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 5/10/2018 9:36:00 AM

For me I was unable to do it on my own. I prayed for the allure and desire to go away. Ironically my sex life improved.

Alexis Y.
Date: 5/9/2018 9:56:00 PM

My days of this issue /addiction is in the past but I will never forget the guilt and the shame:-) Alexis

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 5/9/2018 3:08:00 PM

Good for you for being brave enough to respond and might I say respond eloquently. Thanks for your visit.

Tom Cunningham

Date: 5/9/2018 12:55:00 PM

It sounds like this person has a terrible addiction for pornography, I think it devalues women to just be seen as some plaything. Strange thing though, I think it was Google that said pornography tops the list on search engines. Tom.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 5/9/2018 1:05:00 PM

It’s something most people won’t talk about. It wouldn’t be such a big business if not for people being attracted to it. Statistically it starts at a very early age with more women also watching.

Eileen Manassian

Date: 5/9/2018 12:12:00 PM

Richard, addictions are not gender specific. I'm glad you mentioned other forms of addiction in the poem. People tend to consider some addictions more "acceptable" than others...however, all addictions are dangerous. Males perhaps struggle with this type of addiction more than women, but they are not alone in it. Powerful write...

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 5/9/2018 12:22:00 PM

Thanks Eileen, a thoughtful response.