For Huw
I said, "Don't buy me chocolates.
Pink confections nestled in a cream box
garlanded with tasteful purple ribbon tell me nothing
I do not already know.
Don't buy an overpriced, shiny card
printed with blood-red hearts,
you will not be able to decide what to write in it
and I will already know what you mean.
No need to buy me books
I already own or CDs
I will never play; buy
them for yourself instead
and in return I will buy no
sugary abhorrences or inadequate
greetings cards for you my love
and we will pretend that all is normal in the world."
Your resolve stood firm until
your friends told you that in truth
I was asking for flowers
so you bought me white lilies.
I chopped and arranged them
with gentle fingers but I prefer
the white rose you made for me
when we first met, from scrap paper
and a wooden spoon.
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Written by Witzl (1585 comments posted) 14th February 2007 |
This is a fine poem, Elli, and a better Valentine's poem than I would imagine most people got to read today. I too hate all the hype of Valentine's Day; a neighbor of mine came over last year and asked me what my husband had given me. I told her that we hadn't given each other anything and before I could tell her that he'd given me a foot rub the night before and I'd cooked his favorite things for dinner, she immediately regaled me with tales of her husband's card, roses, chocolates, etc. I'd rather have a guy who gave me a foot rub than a one who was eager to conform to the world's notions of what romance should be by filling the coffers of Hallmark Cards and the town's florists.
And forgive me for this, but there is a superfluous apostrophe after 'world' -- did you leave that there just so that I could point it out? (Smiling face here)
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Written by Bottleblondesurfer (3136 comments posted) 14th February 2007 |
I was going to say this was a sweet poem but it isn't really. As with your work there is lot of complex themes and emotions going on. I thought I knew where it was going and sympathised with the sentiment, then I hit
"and we will pretend that all is normal in the world"
which pulled me up short and hinted at something edgier and then we were into misundersting and a sense of loss.At least that was how I read it. I was really impressed with this. It seemed more than the some of it's parts somehow
clever stuff
J -- P.S did you first meet in primary school? I just wondered about the paper and spoon
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sorry
Written by Bottleblondesurfer (3136 comments posted) 14th February 2007 |
| Ooops I meant to say"misunderstanding" It's too late at night for big words |
HI Elli
Written by jean.day (2196 comments posted) 14th February 2007 |
Very much enjoyed this poem about not wanting a valentine. White lilies sound rather funereal. Not a cheap option either, I would imagine. And doesn't the yellow middle bit permanently stain your clothes? All sorts of metaphors in that. Let's hope he just chose at random.
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Thanks
Written by ellipinnock (1753 comments posted) 15th February 2007 |
witzl - that apostrophe should have been speech marks...duly corrected and I too am keen on anything that doesn't translate into profits for hallmark/clintons etc
jane - we actually met at university. the paper rose incident I took a little poetic licence with - it was the year before last and a broken drum stick rather than a wooden spoon - we were very short of cash that year!
jean - I too thought white lilies were rther funereal but though it would be mena spirited to mention that (so im posting it on the internet instead  ) - I don't think he's particularly aware of the connotations! and I'm dreadful at getting the pollen everywhere - waiting for the flowers to open so i can cut the stamens off!
Cheers guys
Elli
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Written by Talisker (1300 comments posted) 15th February 2007 |
Fine poem Elli - worthy thoughts always make a good foundation to build a poem upon. I share your loathing of the greeting card conglomerates - its a shame, another perfectly harmless, and even quaint tradition, is ruined by commercialism.
Weasel and I have a mutual agreement - ignore the whole thing. I buy flowers occasionaly, which I think is the best way, chocolates rarely.
I remember it being fun at school, and sometimes a great disappointment, but for adults its nonsense.
Oli |
Written by JourneyAtNight (301 comments posted) 15th February 2007 |
Great poem. It's funny, I was having the same sort of conversation about this yesterday. Everything about valentines day has become so plastic, and walking through shops filled to the brim with pink and red glitter gives me a headache. Mind you, I'll never say no to chocolates. 
I enjoyed this.
E
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Written by Phil (6387 comments posted) 15th February 2007 |
I thought this very good Elli. Enjoyed, engaged, entertained and challenged.
While I don't doubt its credentials as poetry - it presses all the right buttons for me - how does this fit into the prosetry debate? On the one hand: I think it's good quality poetry, on the other: it can be read as prose. I thought I'd got myself a handle on poetry before Josie's latest.
Don't get me wrong Elli. I admire this. I'd just like someone who knows more than me to tell me why this is poetry. (Because it is.)
Phil. |
Written by Marybarry (237 comments posted) 16th February 2007 |
Hi Elli,
I stand with Talisker on this one.
It's for kids.
I was pretty, but, I sent myself cards, always fearing not to receive any.
God was I shallow!! nowadays I have a secretary to see to these things. 
patricia |
Written by Kathy (220 comments posted) 14th March 2007 |
After 17 years of marriage, we still buy each other cards. I think that that is quiet nice. I get flowers but I never know what to buy him and that does seem a little awkward... I think that you are right and it would be nice to write a poem or make something rather than just doing it because it is expected. I'm often too knackered to go to the extra trouble though, bad really!
Another really good poem Elli.
Kathy |
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