The French, as would be expected, draws lovers to their shores in boat loads since they have a celebrated lover of their own. Some hundred years ago Charles, Duke of Orleans, was captured by the English in one of their frequent skirmishes and imprisoned for 25 years.
While in prison he wrote over 60 poems to his wife addressing her as 'my valentine.' Needless to say, some of the poems were not the cheery types written today as the poor duke was stuck in various prisons, including the Tower of London, with no hope of release till the King chose to let him go. Here's one, for example/
My Very Gentle Valentine
by Charles d’Orleans (c. 1394-1465) loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
My very gentle Valentine,
Alas, for me you were born too soon,
As I was born too late for you!
May God forgive my jailer
Who has kept me from you this entire year.
I am sick without your love, my dear,
My very gentle Valentine.
However, now and then his poetry is more in
the style we expect a Valentine's Day poem to be:-
translation by Michael R. Burch
Love of my life,
light of my morning―
arise, brightly dawning,
for you are my sun.
Give me of heaven
both manna and leaven―
desirous Presence,
Passionate One.
Hopefully this article has inspired many lovers out there to try their hand at a poem that unlike a box of chocolates, can live for ever. You have whole seven days to have a go.
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