Romance to Me

as close to "valentine" as I can get . . .

These days a valentine is an antiquity
I rouse the romantic most dismally
so scarcely cometh ardent chivalry
I would likely think it a malignancy.

Of youthful whimsy nary a trace
deeply bunkered from a defunct race
can’t rightly recall lingerie or lace
lazing in the buff by the fireplace.

I only ever get a mess of flowers
beyond a bouquet of early showers
soft moon drops sweeten wee hours
my roaring torrent of pebbles scours.

In the wilderness romance is moot
ocean breeze plays trees like a lute
a sage old owl often gives a hoot
first whiff of dawn is buttery fruit.

Can’t remember the valentine years
back when I gave more than two tears
lately my cravings have shifted gears
wandering ‘til obligation disappears.

I just can’t hack hackneyed romance
spouting tired platitudes in a trance
a bolt of charisma to make me dance
daring to embrace fickle circumstance.

Walking a wire without a guarantee
being fine with whatever rains down on me
holding each day with fingers feathery
not choking the breath out of being free.

Reviews

[Samuel Dickens]

It was the fifth grade. Mrs. Finch thought it would be a good idea if we made and gave one another valentine cards. It was very foreign to me, but I made a few with a red heart and "Will you be my valentine?" then gave them to I don't know who. Helen Blagg may have been a recipient, since she sat across from me. To this day, it seems an awkward tradition. Together, you and I shall be fine without them, I guess.

[barleygirl]

This past Christmas, I got 2 whole cards in the mail, but I highly doubt I'm ever getting another valentine! *wink! wink!* Thanks for sitting this one out with me (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Laz K.]

I appreciate the fact that the title clearly indicates that this is not trying to be a general statement on the subject, i.e. romance, but a personal opinion ("to me") I think it's important to point this out, because looking at the comments I was a bit shocked how much hate romance gets!

The poem itself, I think, is very even-handed. It doesn't really berate or bash romance per se. It says that as we age, it's not what it used to be - we're not what we used to be. That's natural, but why should that mean that something is wrong with romance? Of course, the poem also points out that there's a "hackneyed" version of it, and that is of course not what I'm defending.

This is a great topic, an important one, and I could go on about it, but suffice it to say that it is a well-written poem that asks the reader to examine his/her attitude (and experience, memories, etc.) on this topic.

[barleygirl]

You have made me THINK about "romance" more than I have in years. I'm not a romantic at all, & it has nothing to do with getting old, but I have nothing against the many who go for the "romantic" trappings. Thank you for a well-expressed response that makes me think & possibly try to be more careful/precise in how I state things! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Robert Trakofler]

my valentine was complete when I found marshmallow heart shaped peeps were back in the candy aisle at the rite aid of all the things I missed during Covid this was the strangest... toilet paper, paper towels. paper plates okay I get it. everyone knows during an epidemic paper products are essential for survival! But peeps good god give me a break why take away peeps? truthfully I don't even like peeps it was the idea of them being gone that bothered me! The old lady I have been making care packages for has been stuck in her care home's room for over a year she loves them and has asked me a dozen times to get her some:/ Well I got um 10 boxes full im gonna go drop them off today hopefully that cheers her up a bit

[barleygirl]

This is what romantic living looks like. Thank you for sharing a scrumptious bite. I was trying to get into a romantic mood so I could write some V-day poetry, but instead, I got into the mood to write my mom's love story, which will be my next book. She met the love of her life at age 79, hiked the Grand Canyon twice, as well as marrying a third time, & they got 11 of their best years together, despite starting late. They both had really horrible previous marriages, so they really appreciated each other in all the ways they hadn't been appreciated all their lives. I'm toning down my raunchy ridiculous rhetoric & telling this one in a sober, heartfelt way (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Robert Trakofler]

wow! Margie

[Christine Anne Shaw]

When I was 29 I got three valentine cards. I have to keep reminding myself of that every year? What happens to romance eh? In short supply these days and certainly not for old birds. Loved this write Margie.

Chris

[barleygirl]

Well, at least you can still remember the valentines you've gotten in the past. I'm sadly blank about almost anything romantic that might've happened in my life! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Cherrie Palmer]

Happy Untine's Day to you my friend and your very clever work.

[barleygirl]

Thanks for stopping by & here's hoping your V-day will be chock full of sweetness (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Tepo]

Many a good tune played on an old fiddle Margie
That being said
Who needs romance when they are already so full of love
This one stands out as special
Separates what many think they want and what they need
I'm a great believer in the power of example
Thanks for yours
Nicely constructed as well

[barleygirl]

Thank you for your thoughtful & uplifting words. I agree that we are sorely lacking for good examples of simple romantic living (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Coyote Poetry]

I am old now. I want no cards. Just Crown Royal whiskey. With old age. It is sad we forget Valentine day. Even us old timers, we want a box of candy. Hello dear Margie. I lost the romance emotions but If I forget. Wife may find someone, who still had. So I will buy some flowers and some candy. Love need proof and evident. If I was near. I would give you a card dear Margie. Just like the days of school. Remember the card given with no name of giver? Hello my friend and I hope you are doing well and staying safe. Thank you for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote
Coyote

[barleygirl]

This must be the "real" Coyote John & thanks for sharing. We are similar in that we write with a zest for decadence, seemingly so real, but in reality, we're just doddering old fools! Thanks for stopping by & for helping me stay plugged into the pulse of what we used to do for fun! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree dear Margie and you are welcome.

[DIVYA]

Thanks for writing this poem. Chivalry is really a kind of malignancy. You're good without it. Happy and doing your own thing. Most ugly b******s look to suck you inside out with Chivalry so I'd not miss it. Especially not online which is the worst fake s**t ever. There are literal swines swarming online. Literal c**ts. Not worth it!
So not.choking the breath out of being free sounds just divine to me. Its a great idea. You're powerful within and that counts. True bliss begins right there. You're not missing anything! Sorry if I came on too strong.

[barleygirl]

LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! I've trained myself to be politically correct after 30+ years writing in the public sphere, so I never get the satisfaction of saying a thing as powerfully as you just said it. I love that this poem moved you this way. I am so damn thrilled, it's almost tears-in-the-eyes time! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[DIVYA]

HUGS back to you, my friend....You're beautiful and inspiring. I've often been encouraged by your words to come out strongly with my own true feelings. Thank you for it.❤

[barleygirl]

This means SO MUCH to me! *smile*

[roarke]

I read this piece, and feel its about transition, evolution, ...maturing. But interspersed is a natural beauty, now more appreciated and understood, for better or worse, but ultimately understood, if not formally accepted. Freedom always has its costs, freedom of love is no exception. I think as you’ve beautifully illustrated here M, genuine love, beauty, feelings and understanding come from infinite sensory experiences, dare we notice them all, and what stays with us, what continues to speak to us, ah...that’s the lasting love, the ultimate realization to nurture beyond with.

[barleygirl]

WOW! I've been waiting patiently for some reader to REALLY get me on this poem . . . this is it! Romance is all over the place in life, I've found, despite being without the usual trappings! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Betty Hermelee]

I believe I think as you do, nothing too much exciting about Valentine's Day; it's kind of like New Years Eve, (boring!) When I was young, it meant a lot to me, getting roses, going to a fancy place for dinner (if we could get in); now, it's like, let's just stay home!!! Too old care about celebrating anything anymore, especially my birthdays!!! So Ms. Margie, I totally agree with you about this boring holiday; as you say I'm happy just to be free, and not to be tied down as many of us are. Peace, XO B

[barleygirl]

I relate to everything you say, but maybe my own jadedness runs deeper. I think considering days "special" is a hoax. We could be living as if just being alive is special. I don't celebrate birthdays or Thanksgiving or Christmas. The spirit of these days are ours for the taking, all year long. Thanks for relating to my stubborn rejection of predictable conventions! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Betty Hermelee]

Same for me!

[Paul Bell]

Okay, roses are red, violets are blue.
Come anywhere near me and we are through.
Give me a cake, chocolates or cream.
Hit me with romance, I'll make you scream.
So Valentine is out the door.
But I did try.
She's such a bore.

[barleygirl]

Not limericks, exactly, but your irreverent rhyming sass kinda makes me want to do a valentine spoof via limericks. I swear I could write limericks every day. And I love your defiant lyrical sarcasm (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Paul Bell]

You go for it, break a heart. lol