I have a bit of trouble with Valentines Day…
…which is why this poem was such a gut punch when it dropped into my mailbox this week:
Psalm Twenty-Three by Kevin Arnold
When it’s close to time to leave, I offer to read it again.
I’ve just fed my wife a chocolate; she’s surprisingly enthusiastic.
She perks up at the Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
She loves to hear about lying down in green pastures,
and being led beside the still waters.
The familiarity of having her soul restored and being led
in the paths of righteousness brings a smile to her thin lips.
READ the rest…
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My husband I don’t exchange gifts or prepare lavish candlelight dinners on February 14th. But most mornings, he fills my coffee cup. And every so often I write him a poem:
photo and poem ©2023, Patricia J. Franz
valentine
strong and healthy
you, defined
lifeline
melded to mine
united in desire
travel, bike, wine
days betray
gray, laugh lines
slower paces
quiet spaces
I’m still yours
you are mine
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I’m playing with a poetic form – new to me – called a SKINNY, “an American poetry form by Truth Thomas.”
bits and pieces
When pink and red cardstock becomes love
reduced
leftover
drippings
strained
reduced
meal
stand-in
flavor
reduced
Love when cardstock becomes pink and red
©draft, Patricia J. Franz
fIt’s Poetry Friday!
Why not end your week with Molly at Nix the Comfort Zone.
She’s got the round up of poetry goodness. But, take a peek at her gorgeous writing from Feb. 14th.
Patricia Franz is a kidlit writer and published poet. She believes children, dogs, and sourdough have a lot to teach us about life, joy, and wonder. She has raised two boys, four dogs, and holds a master’s degree in Theology with a focus on children’s spirituality. Patricia, her husband, her Bernese Mountain dog, Bonny, and her sourdough starter split their time between the Arizona desert and the Sierra Nevada mountains. 
Oh, Patricia, what a beautiful post. That Psalm 23 is so powerful. I’m at the age to appreciate that scenario. Growing old is not for sissies, to be sure. Your poem gift to your husband is dazzling too. I have read it several times, and now I’ll read this sweet ending again here:
days betray
gray, laugh lines
slower paces
quiet spaces
I’m still yours
you are mine
Thank you, Denise. Psalm 23 was one of those stop-you-in-your-tracks poems… a slice of what real love looks like.
Lots to contemplate here. I’m with you on the commercialization of holidays. Arnold’s poem hits home for me as I lost a friend last week. I’m in favor of small gestures, every day, being present. Love the poem you wrote for your husband.
Thank you, Jama. I hope your friend’s memory can be a blessing for you.
Patricia, you are the second person to tell me that Valentine’s Day is an everyday experience for him and not a special one day. Your valentine poem touched my heart so continue to enjoy the little things that make a whole experience. The Psalm 23 poem is worth reading again and again. A positive outlook is what is needed in life.
Little things, little things, keep my heart singing.
Love is all around us, isn’t it?
…um, yes though I’m thinking ol’ Philly isn’t feeling much love this week (sorry about your Birds) 😉
Lovely and full of heart!
Thank you, Linda.
I love your poem Patti – and isn’t that what love is all about? Consistency. Constancy. Predictability. I read it to Jody. It is us too.♥️
And Happy Anniversary to you both!
Your small things are big things, Patricia. Thank you for sharing your own poetic tributes and Kevin Arnold’s, too. Poignant and beautiful
Here’s to little!
Love radiates through your post, Patricia. Thank you. <3
Thank you, Bridget.
Beautiful love poems!
Thank you, Kay.
That was quite the workshop, huh? What we do, what we say–I think it’s all in the how. Being a pink and red cardstock girl, your Skinny makes me a wee bit sad, but your poem to your husband makes me GL<3D!
cardstock – yes
Hallmark – no
😉
It’s a post of love, Patricia, without the pink & red cardstock. Easter is coming & rabbits fill up the stores! Thank you for every thought.
the Hallmark economy… sigh!
Lots of beauty here, Patricia. I like the lines in Kevin Arnold’s poem, “I skip the part about/
enemies because I can’t imagine her having any.” Well, actually I like the whole poem and yours, too!
So much beauty in a love letter leaving a care center!
Oh, Kevin Arnold’s poem! So sad and yet so beautiful.
And your love poem to your husband is gorgeous, Patricia. I especially love:
… defined
lifeline
melded to mine
Beautiful!
Oh, this is a mighty post. Kevin Arnold’s poem is heartbreaking and hearthealing. Your poem to your husband is lovely and a perfect Valentine, much better than the Hallmark variety. And then you included another Skinny to enjoy. So much to savour here!