Today in dVerse we are to investigate temptations. I had some thoughts in general, that I put in verse. I’m experimenting with iambic hexameter, and combined it with a haiku to form a kind of haibun. I will be at dinner with friends when the pub opens, but will come in and read later.

The temptations of S:t Anthony by Lovis Corinth
temptations are defined, by our own device
from all the consequences that exist in our vice
and we’ve been taught to shun what’s tasty sweet and good
to save our souls from sins, hide the beauty under hood!
is luscious chocolate in heart shape box the cause?
for gluttony, then let’s forbid let’s write those laws
allure of youthful skin to married men gives rise
to the deceit of faithful wives, then let’s chastise
so everywhere I look and see we blame the lure
and less the humans who temptations can’t endure
what’s tempting
can never take the blame
for our sins
That is so true. We can’t blame the temptations. There is personal responsibility to be taken for every alluring thing under the sun! Well expressed!
Thank you, yes I really wanted to shift the focus.
nice…wow…um, your meter intimidates me a bit…ha…and we always look for a scapegoat of our sins…takes the responsibility off of us…not that it is right but that is the human way isnt it…smiles…nicely done sir…
Ha, just playing around with meter.. and we are too used to blame the temptations… 🙂
I think you sum it up very well there at the end. Great job with the iambic hexameter, Bjorn.
Thank you 🙂
Oh, Bjorn, you caught it here. It is not what we yearn for that is wrong, it is what is in our hearts that is.
Yes, most of us have no-one else than our-selves to blame
I appreciate the choice of rhyming words, meter length and ending verse (for me its not a haiku,sorry) ~ It’s great to see you experimenting with poetry forms ~ Temptations per se, are not evil, its us and our reactions to them ~ Terrific response to the prompt ~
Grace
As to the form,
I agree, it’s not a proper haiku.. but I read so many that are bordering that I have broadened my tolerance. Nevertheless thanks for the comment.
Your ending really sums up temptation for me!! But I, for one, could only truly understand temptation by slowly testing the waters of sin to see for myself if I would sink or swim!! I be only human and a sinner.
I really enjoyed your response to this prompt !
Yes, a little testing is never bad (and honestly the only ban would be if you hurt someone else…)
ha true that…there’s always the temptation on one side and how we respond to it… and that’s just totally in our own hand…well played sir
Thank you… just an observation 🙂
So true, in the end it’s us and how we take responsibility for the choices we make. Nice form too
Thanks, I might polish on that form later on..
I am not an overly enthusiastic reader of your hexameter. I think your pentameter is great. This poem, for me, is difficult to read. But as for your summing up, – I love it!
“what’s tempting
can never take the blame
for our sins”
And still we always put the blame on what’s tempting and try to control it.
Great lesson here – we control our actions and are responsible for our responses.
I think we are actually… which should be a good thing.
Well done!
Thank you 🙂
so true… we are to blame, so why do we point fingers
I find it very strange, because when doing, we admit to our own weaknesses..
Ha! You’re right. Very well expressed. k.
Thank you 🙂
Yep, personal responsibility is where it’s at. Insightful piece.
Thank you 🙂
YES, AFTER ALL WE ARE HUMANS…
Indeed
but any fisherman will admit, there is a proper bait for every fish. fine work.
You can blame the fisherman, but never the bait.
is temptation a component of compulsion, that is, from a psychological view?
sexy hits the streets
temptations is to me where we put the blame for bad things we do…
Intriguing combination which for me works very well. Good to come upon something so fresh.
Thank you…
Great painting…poor St Anthony:)Yes as everyone says it is not the temptation…it is yielding to the temptation.
Indeed. St Anthony seems to be in trouble.
…temptations are tools to test how sinful we can be… our sole responsibilty is to resist which unfortunately not common…. excellent! smiles…
and the resistance lies within ourselves.
temptation will always lure us in one form or another..it has been that way since the beginning of time..how strong is one’s will is the question..the picture is so powerful..
Thank you.. I think the picture was great fun.
Well said, Bjorn. You nailed this one!
Thank you Charles.
I like the mix of the styles pentameter and haiku
Thank you 🙂
so truly said.. temptations lure,, it is us humans who have to learn to endure..
Exactly 🙂
very true indeed! looking to nail a reason than the self!!
Only human nature I’m afraid.
The beautiful rhythm in the haibun flowed right into your haiku. Gorgeous work here.
Thank you 🙂