Shunan Bamboo Forest, China
Thom writes
"Each week, I post three words. You write something using the words. Then come back and post a link to the contribution with Mr. Linky (but please, link to the exact post, not your blog, by clicking on the exact post title and paste it to Mr. Linky below). As always, there's no hard-and-fast rule that you have to post on Wednesday. I invite everyone to check back often to read and comment on other contributions."This week's words:
Naughty
Tactic
Zenith
For this week's Three Word Wednesday, *click here*
I must remark at this point that "naughty" is an interesting attitudinal word. It is literally "of the zero", that is, using "naught" in that mathematical sense. English relates that idea to immorality or bad behavior. Thus it is that hidden in the idea of "naughty" is the judgment that to outlaw oneself over moral behavior is to become a zero socially.
I find it really interesting that at least in American society the idea of "naughty" has gotten a cachet, especially in sexual matters, such that now "bad is good". "Oh she's such a naughty girl," is a great example. Another is when a girl responds flirtatiously to a male's advance, "You naughty boy!"
The Torture Garden
I receive bamboo
at this point, receive the frond,
the naughty sliver
under my thumbnail
that is your tactic this day
as the sun climbs up
to its bright zenith,
exposing my nudity
and the bloody stripes
you leave across me.
January 4, 2012 5:07 AM
Hokokuji Bamboo Forest, Kamakura, Japan
this is one I'll have to think about Christopher, I like it but it strikes me sideways a bit....
ReplyDeletethe word verification of the day unbag. I am going to incorpirate this in my post later.
this really tells a tale
ReplyDeleteI would like it better without the italics. They distract and annoy me. Yes, I should let it go. ;-) Hugs
ReplyDeleteWander, This poem should strike you sideways...it's a sick universe depicted, though perhaps not really the torture that I lay out overtly. I give pictures of bamboo in its beautiful forms, even though in the poem the usage of bamboo slivers for torture is a nod to torturers everywhere. Bamboo makes excellent skewers. Bamboo, both terrible and beautiful - as is our love relations.
ReplyDeleteSheilagh, perhaps a tale I don't mind telling but would really hate to live.
Rachel, the italics are a function of the actual task, and any future display of this poem will not have the italics. That was already in the works. Your wish is my command, my love.
Fascinating take on the prompt, and I enjoyed the image of the bamboo forest. I, of course, took the cheap way out and made mine all about sex!
ReplyDeleteWhat a painful picture you depict today. Effective use of the three words.
ReplyDeleteAllegory is a funny thing. I am not sure the depicted relationship is as pained as the picture implies. As I have replied previously, bamboo is both terrible and beautiful.
ReplyDeleteBamboo is a grass. I am mildly allergic to grasses, a leftover from childhood distress. I have bamboo on my property. I hire out any but the most simple work on it because the itch quotient for me is beyond endurance.
Ha! Thank you, Christopher. The poem is quite wonderful, anyway. I find it sexual in an uncomfortable way, which is rather exciting. Not that I'm pining for bamboo slivers under my nails!
ReplyDeleteThe masochistic nature of this poem is a little unsettling, however I do not judge that. The work is itself intriguing and reads well. I was hoping to see a little bare flesh in the bamboo forest though.
ReplyDeleteGod I love this stuff. It doesn't matter what I write, only that when you read you plug in your frames of reference. As I said, allegory is a funny thing.
ReplyDeleteI guess it would matter a lot if you all were disgusted and refused to continue with me. To hold this to sex seems unduly limiting, but hey, that's just me. :)
The title is immediately compelling and the words so powerful..Jae
ReplyDelete