28 June 2010

Tuesday poem: Poem for lovers

This week's poem is dedicated to my sweetheart, who is having an operation this week.

Poem for lovers

Because you are loved
you must be careful
crossing the street
You must look both ways
before you step out, and
you must never dawdle

Because you are loved
you must eat vegetables
everyday
even on weekends
take vitamin C
avoid hospitals

Because you are loved
you must drive
at the speed limit, over-take
safely, watch out for drunks

Because you are loved
take a warm coat

Because you are loved
because you love


This was originally going to be in My Iron Spine, but I ended up taking it out, because I thought it sounded to schmaltzy. I did mean for it to be soppy, but it kind of is, despite it's dark undertones. But it's also true, for me anyway. I don't have any kids, but I imagine this the same experience. You just don't want anything bad to happen to people you love.

I always thought that this poem would be good in one of those poems-for-weddings books.

To get your fix of more Tuesday poems, visit the blog: http://tuesdaypoem.blogspot.com/

7 comments:

Emma said...

I think this is lovely Helen.

Helen Rickerby said...

Aww, thanks Emma!

LentenStuffe said...

Says it all so succinctly.

Helen Lowe said...

Ah, I know exactly what you're saying. Makes me kind of glad I chose a poem for lovers too, today ...

And I don't think it is schmaltzy--but sometimes I think it's good to get down with our schmaltzy selves, anyhoo!

melissashook said...

I hope your sweetie is out of the hospital!
and crosses streets carefully...

Helen Rickerby said...

Thanks for your comments. Surgery is all over and went well. He's back home and a bit sore, but good and perky. All went much better than I expected.

Harvey Molloy said...

Sometimes the heart knows best. Love to you both. Harvey