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I am no Chaucer (Valentine poem)
| Open Poetry #49 |
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I am no Chaucer (Valentine poem) |
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ice Member Elite
since 2003-05-17
Posts 3404Pennsylvania |
 "For this was Saint Valentine's day, when every bird of every kind comes to this place to choose his mate" Geoffrey Chaucer The Parliament of Fowls, circa 1381 I am like Chaucer In the high middle ages I present no card. I show love everyday- But according to my wife, That's not good enough. I go to the store- Can't find a card without lies So I buy a blank To note how I feel I write her a poem that's true One that she can own. ***************************** Isn't love complicated enough? Do we need a card to express how we feel on only one day, and ignore love salutations on all the others..? I try to give virtual "cards" everyday, not on paper but shown in actions...I feel better doing it that way..but my wife likes cards, so I write them for her for special occasions. [This message has been edited by ice (02-12-2016 08:41 AM).] |
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Cari Member Posts 411 Englnand |
Quote. I show love everyday- But according to my wife, That's not good enough. “Do you still love me” These questions belong to those of the same ilk such as, “Do you think I’m putting a little weight on darling” they not a request for the truth, they are a demand for reassurance. You may think the answer is “Of course I do, how the hell do you think I’ve put up with you for the past **** years? But it’s not advisable to tell the truth is it? Go with the swim my friend, its what most of us do. |
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JerryPat2 Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975South Louisiana |
Yep! EVERYTHING is for the merchants. I don't begrudge some entrepreneur for making some money, even a LOT of money. It is the weakening of so many holidays, Christmas, etc., and Valentine's Day, and I so like your approach to that supposed to be special day, Ice. What's special about a card that has someone else's words to your wife. Gagging time! ~ If they give you ruled paper, write sideways. ~ |
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Cari Member Posts 411 Englnand |
You’re a poet my friend and a good one, you surely don’t need any help from anyone, so why settle for the cliché written doggerel which appears in most commercial gift cards. Sit down with that blank card and do the business. Good Luck. Cari. |
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Margherita Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236Eternity |
Your love and kindness is tangible in your words, dear Ford. Even a few handwritten words on a white sheet of paper are more precious than any "artistic" card you may ever find. And in your case, you being a Poet, your wife has a double reason to be happy and grateful. Btw, does she declare her love to you in written words too? Love between poets is a "poetic" work in progress! Happy Valentine's Day! Love, Margherita  "Forget every touch or sound that did not teach you how to dance." |
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Lori Grosser Rhoden Member Patricius
since 2009-10-10
Posts 10202Fair to middlin' of nowhere |
As a devoted "card collector", I think I can provide some insight here. You are giving a Valentine's gift when you give a card, that is a tradition and the card becomes a keepsake. Keepsakes and traditions are important to some people. The fact that you can out write the Hallmark people is a plus for you as long as you are happy doing it. I write a poem most every year for my husband and get him a card. To me, the card just seems more "official". My husband doesn't care as long as he gets chocolate. ~L |
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ice Member Elite
since 2003-05-17
Posts 3404Pennsylvania |
Cari Jerry Margherita Lori Thank you all for reading, and the replys.. It is from my disgust of commercial promotion of all Holidays, that I have rebelled against the use of traditional cards, especially the $5-$7ones with cheap messages inside.. Or perhaps it's the use of phrases such as "I must get a card" or the receiver will be hurt,and think I forgot", for this, or that occasion, that bugs me? But Lori, and Margherita have opened my eyes a little. Thank you both... It's good to be a progressive.:-) I do write my own cards to my wife..on special days, and more effectively..when there is no designated holliday.. Thanks to all, again. Nameste |
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ethome Member Patricius
since 2000-05-14
Posts 11858New Brunswick Canada |
Ice I like the idea that you put down your true feelings in your own words. Those words should mean a lot more to her than someone else writing it for you. It's the way I look at Christmas. People say to me, "you ready for Christmas?" I say, no, I'll never be! I want to buy presents for those I love any time of the year, when the idea hits my heart. I don't need to be bullied into some gigantic commercial celebration just because the rest of the world is. Love should never be an obligation, otherwise it's not real. In my hometown there's a family of 12 children, most of whom were born early to late 50's. Over the years of course they have multiplied in sons, daughters, grandchildren etc. To buy gifts for all these people in the family line was tremendously expensive for everyone. So they did a layout in our local newspaper stating that there would be no more Christmas gift giving in their family. Instead they would all get together at that time of year, rent a commercial space and have a beautiful meal together!! In my mind, smart family. Good writing Geoffrey! Eric true love never looks after it's own interests |
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ice Member Elite
since 2003-05-17
Posts 3404Pennsylvania |
from "A Valentine", by Lewis Carrol-1911 "And if the verse flow free and fast, Till even the poet is aghast, touching Valentine at last The post shall carry, When thirteen days are gone and past Of February." THank you-e Your replies are always a pleasure to read.. this one is no exception. Love the idea of a family getting together to celebrate in a real gifting way.. It bothers me to think how commercialism has taken over the meanings of hollidays, how it has forced on me, ruined moments.. A ruined moment for me is when someone writes a list of what they want as gifts.. That really bothers me..My 3 year old grandson could give me a stick, and I would cherish it,,,that is what I call a gift.. Thanks for reading, and the reply. "Poetry is an echo, asking a shadow to dance." |
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jwesley Member Rara Avis
since 2000-04-30
Posts 7563Spring, Texas |
Ice, my friend, I have always read and enjoyed your writing, and this piece is no different. But I have to ask, in seriousness and in levity, about your comment at the end. First, I agree with you about all you've stated, but, is it only cards that bother you? What about roses or other flowers, candy or other delights, all of which, by the way, I seldom give my wife for valentines - normally it's a hug, several kisses, "I love you" and "Happy Valentines wife - Yeah, I call her 'wife'". Hope you don't get upset with me, this wasn't meant in a negative way . . . |
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garysgirl  
since 2002-09-29
Posts 19237Florida, USA |
My dear poet friend, in my opinion, you have the right idea. One's love should be shown every day, not just on a special day of the year. Enjoyed reading your poem. Hugs, Ethel  Some of my poetry links-- Ethel's Creations My Inspirational Pages Ethel-StarliteCafe |
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ice Member Elite
since 2003-05-17
Posts 3404Pennsylvania |
Thanks for the reply jw Im not sure if these are the words that caused you to be puzzled. "To note how I feel I write her a poem that's true One that she can own." The last line means that my wife can own the poem/card that I wrote for her..She does not have to share the message with anyone else by proxy-that is many other women have seen this same card. As far as flowers. I plant a very extensive flower garden for her..I am a landscaper, so I have access, and knowledge of rare and unusual annuals and vines..Our small courtyard, and patio is alive with vibrant colors.through summer , and until frost.. I am happy you replied. always looking for critiques..in story line, or form..or from other things i say.. "Poetry is an echo, asking a shadow to dance." |
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ice Member Elite
since 2003-05-17
Posts 3404Pennsylvania |
". One's love should be shown every day, not just on a special day of the year." Thank you, Friend Ethel Being an old hippie lovechild, what you said is what I try to do.. Thans for reading, and the reply. Nameste |
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jwesley Member Rara Avis
since 2000-04-30
Posts 7563Spring, Texas |
Wasn't any specific thing you wrote/said, but more what wasn't said (in poem and comment at bottom of poem) - specifically (and I understand the specificity), I guess, the focus on only the "card" when to me, the card is only a small part of it (the commercialization). I do buy cards periodically, but the Funny ones, to promote laughter - otherwise, I, too, write my own. And I do know where you're coming from because I've complained (the B word really) about the ruining of so much, in the name of "profit". And people don't seem to care, or like me, they'd refuse to buy most of the product. And they watch as the pricing increases exponentially, yet say nothing. Anyway, not being critical, just 'saying'... jimmy |
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Alison
since 2008-01-27
Posts 9318Lumpy oatmeal makes me crazy! |
I, too, resent the commercialization of every holiday and event. I write letters and send lots of cards - most of which are devoid of smarmy sentiments. Thanks, ice. You said it well. S |
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