Richard Lamoureux | + Follow Poet |
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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.

Copyright © Richard Lamoureux | Year Posted 2018

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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) Login to Reply 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 Login to Reply 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. Login to Reply 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 Login to Reply 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 Login to Reply 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. Login to Reply 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! Login to Reply 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 :) Login to Reply 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 Login to Reply 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 Login to Reply 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. Login to Reply 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... Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 5/9/2018 12:22:00 PM Thanks Eileen, a thoughtful response.