We all know we’re not perfect, and we all
make mistakes in friendships and relationships that cause pain to people we
care about. When you’ve said or done something that causes hurt, how do you
apologize? “I’m sorry” isn’t easy, especially when it’s heartfelt, but
apologizing can be the first step toward understanding in a damaged
relationship. Can you say “I’m sorry” in a poem this week?
Things To Think About
1. What makes a good apology?
2. Is there someone in your life to whom
an apology is due?
3. Is there someone in your life who owes
you an apology? What would you like that person to say to you? Would you
consider requesting an apology from that person?
4. Has there been a time in your life for
which you owe yourself an apology?
5. There’s nothing quite as disappointing
as receiving an apology that doesn’t seem sincere, or worse, a grudging
apology. Sincerity is expressed by what you say and how you say it, and sometimes apologies sound dismissive. Have you ever received (or given) an apology that didn’t sound
sincere? What makes an apology "ring true?" What’s wrong with an apology that
begins, “I’m sorry, but ….” ?
This Week’s Poem
1. Write your best apology in a poem (any
form, including a prose poem): be honest, be straightforward, show (don’t tell)
how sorry you are, take responsibility, ask for forgiveness.
2. For a bit of a twist, how about trying
an apologia (\ˌa-pə-ˈlō-j(ē-)ə\) poem? An apologia is a formal apology, especially on behalf of some
belief or doctrine, but it may also be a defense of one's opinions, position,
or actions. Read the following examples (but remember that your apologia needn’t conform (in content or style) to what other
poets have written):
3. Another possibility for this
week’s poem is to write a response to someone who has apologized to you. Tell
that person what his or her apology meant to you – why it was healing or why was it "too little too late."
Examples:
Good prompt! No time for something new today. But some time ago I wrote something right on point: Belated Apology.
ReplyDeleteWhat a hoot, Madeleine! Thanks so much for sharing.
DeleteReaders, just click on "Belated Apology" in Madeleine's comment above to visit her blog and to read her funny apology poem!
Madeleine,
DeleteThis is great - the prompt topic suggests something serious, but you came up with something wonderfully funny, and we all need to laugh! Thank you for sharing with us.
Jamie
What a great prompt! Thanks, Adele for continuing to inspire and challenge us!
ReplyDeleteJamie
Hi Adele,
ReplyDeleteWe're in London for the Olympics, but I popped in to read your blog this afternoon and wanted to say thanks again for all the inspiration! (I especially enjoyed the sports poems prompt for its timeliness.)
Máire Ó Cathail (Ireland)
Thanks for taking the time to comment, Maire, and enjoy the Olympics!
DeleteHi Adele, I'm Jamie's sister, and she suggested that I work with your prompts! What a fantastic blog! Thank you!
ReplyDeletehi Nicola,
DeleteWelcome! I'm so glad to know that you and Jamie are both enjoying the blog!
If I could say "I'm sorry"
ReplyDeleteto everyone I should
I'd need another lifetime
instead
I can vigilently practice
sensitive awareness
and
turn my back on ignorant behavior
or
humble myself
if
I've been to slow
and
say
"I'm sorry!"
and mean it!
Thanks for sharing, Risa! I look forward to your weekly poems, and I know other readers do too. This one offers practical (and spiritual) "advice" through your personal reflection. Thanks again!
DeleteWhen I saw this prompt, I had to have a go: it touched me on the raw - http://vivinfrance.wordpress.com/2012/07/15/wordle-65/
ReplyDeleteWell done! Thanks so much for sharing!
Delete