Valentine's Day is around the corner. Cheesy as it sounds, my husband and I actually did read poetry to each other every February 14th. I probably started the tradition ten years ago. We'd each hold a book of collected love poems and take turns reading our favourites to each other. John Donne for me. William Butler Yeats for him.
" ...one man loved the pilgrim soul in you, And loved the sorrows of your changing face", he would read and I would feel that familiar ache that comes with encountering words that are so wondrously strung together.
"Busy old fool, unruly Sun, Why dost thou thus through windows, and through curtains, call on us ?
Must to thy motions lovers' seasons run ? Saucy pedantic wretch, go chide late school-boys and sour prentices..." I would read and anticipate how afterwards we'd delight in rolling our tongues around the words saucy pedantic wretch over and over.
No love poetry for me this year. Time to start a new tradition on the day for lovers. Get a pedicure? A bikini wax? But then, when the beautician asked what my plans were, I'd have to confess that I had no one to have soft elbows for, or freshly shaved armpits. No one for whom to deny my dog permission to share my bed or worry about the dog smell on my duvet.
This is not self pity, just a statement of my new reality. He will be having a romantic dinner somewhere with her. I will be trying hard to prevent my daughter from seeing that I know what day it is. I will lose myself in my work - a strategy that seems to work for men.
Dear Alison,
ReplyDeleteI love the way you write and truly believe that you should consider writing a book. You are very, very gifted. Alison, I really believe in you. Once again you are wonderful
Dear Anonymous:
ReplyDeleteWhoever you are- I love you. Only my mother thinks I am gifted! I have one of those old floppy disks full of short stories I've written. With your encouragement, I just might dig them out again! Thank you and YOU are the wonderful one for taking the time to post your comment.
Alison, You are loved and cherished by many. Please remember how special you are in this world filled with turmoil. People like you create a light that glows and leads the way for others. There is so much more to you than you realize. Honestly, your goodness shines through everywhere you travel.
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