A Holiday for the Heart
Continuing the Valentine theme this week, I present a poem reflecting on the meaning of love. In some ways, this is a response to Phil's original poem (see 2/11 entry) where he suggests that the unconditional love of friends is better than romantic love. My point is that romantic love doesn't equal all the trappings that surround it (the "roses, kisses, candlelight"). True romantic love goes much deeper. My poem is also in some ways a lighthearted commentary on the way that the outward material aspects of Valentine's Day can be taken too seriously. Certainly not the best poem I've ever written, but hopefully interesting....
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"Valentine Simplicity"
By Tom Warsaw
Candies and chocolates, cute cuddly bears too
Boyfriends rushing through pink-festooned malls
A retailer's heyday, a commercial zoo
Sweetest love is simpler still
Colored sweethearts with candied phrase
Passed around like sugar pills
"Be mine", "You're hot", "Email me soon"
Sweetest love is simpler still
A dozen roses all tied in a bow
Diamond pendants with gold carat fill
Rings and bracelets, watches and clothes
Sweetest love is simpler still
Dinner for two at a swanky joint
Filet mignon and glasses of zinfandel
Tuxedoed waiter to smile and bow
Sweetest love is simpler still
The greatest love requires no gifts
Demands no poem or costly deed
Fair maiden's heart may yet be won
Without glist'ning armor or stately steed
"What?" Say you. "A travesty!"
"Love without roses or candles or bows?"
Symbols they be, but outflowings only
Of love's greater depths, of relationship's feeling
Love is not caught up in external things
But burns like a fire deep from within
A passion unquenchable, commitment unending
Giving self wholly to serve, not demand
Friendship unbreakable, two hearts joined as one
A journey together through trials and joy
Each day falling in love yet again
Simple love is sweetest still
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"Valentine Simplicity"
By Tom Warsaw
Candies and chocolates, cute cuddly bears too
Boyfriends rushing through pink-festooned malls
A retailer's heyday, a commercial zoo
Sweetest love is simpler still
Colored sweethearts with candied phrase
Passed around like sugar pills
"Be mine", "You're hot", "Email me soon"
Sweetest love is simpler still
A dozen roses all tied in a bow
Diamond pendants with gold carat fill
Rings and bracelets, watches and clothes
Sweetest love is simpler still
Dinner for two at a swanky joint
Filet mignon and glasses of zinfandel
Tuxedoed waiter to smile and bow
Sweetest love is simpler still
The greatest love requires no gifts
Demands no poem or costly deed
Fair maiden's heart may yet be won
Without glist'ning armor or stately steed
"What?" Say you. "A travesty!"
"Love without roses or candles or bows?"
Symbols they be, but outflowings only
Of love's greater depths, of relationship's feeling
Love is not caught up in external things
But burns like a fire deep from within
A passion unquenchable, commitment unending
Giving self wholly to serve, not demand
Friendship unbreakable, two hearts joined as one
A journey together through trials and joy
Each day falling in love yet again
Simple love is sweetest still