by Pat Laster
This season, sappy to some, precious to others, is one of poetry. Poet’s groups’ February contests require “love poems.” Valentine cards abound with cheesy (for some), reaffirming sentiments for others. Poems, too, may be syrupy for some, yet dear to others. Here are a few for the ones who (ahem) “heart” this winter season.
To My Dear and Loving Husband, a poem whose author is the unknown Mrs. Anonymous, is selected in honor especially of Freeda and Gene Nichols, Jeanie and Roger Carter, Diane and Joe Stefan, Dorothy and Terry Johnson, Rhonda and Gary Roberts, and all other “still-in-love-after-all-this-time” couples.
“If ever two were one, then surely we;
If ever man were loved by wife, then thee;
If ever wife was happy in a man,
Compare with me ye women if ye can!
I prize thy love more than whole mines of gold,
Or all the riches that the East doth hold.
My love is such that rivers cannot quench,
Nor ought but love from thee give recompense.
Thy love is such I can no way repay;
The heavens reward the manifold, I pray.
Then when we live, in love let’s so persevere
That when we live no more, we may live ever.”
(found in THE JOY OF WORDS, J. G. Ferguson Publishing Company, Chicago, 1960, p 143)
Mark Tappmeyer, professor at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar Missouri, writes what he calls in his 2005 book, WISECRACKING, poems that might “leave you wondering if he got the scriptures right or if he should be sent home from church.” Here is his
First Great Lover (Gen. 3:6)
“Noblest Adam, juiced on love,
took and ate.
He did not nibble on the skin
but sank his teeth
till droplets gathered on his chin.
His choice clear.
he’d fall with her—whatever
that should mean.
He’d be her surest love,
albeit into the wild beyond,
where thistles—whatever
they may be—sprout,
where he, undercover,
would never slump
into a feckless lover.”
Forever Love, written by Arkansas’s former Poet Laureate Verna Lee Hinegardner, uses the Minute pattern, which she invented, and which is now recognized nation-wide. She always delights in others printing her poems. This one is found in her latest and last book, MOSAIC.
“My wildest dreams of love came true
when you came through
that open door.
No time before
had Cupid’s arrow-piercing dart
stuck in my heart.
Forever love,
just like a dove,
flies low and coos a song of peace.
My love won’t cease
since every year
you grow more dear.”
Happy Valentine’s Day to all. #
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