Letters to Juliet: Original Poetry for Valentine's Day!
By Annie Newcomer:
But soft, what light through yonder window breaks?
It is the east, and Juliet is the sun.
(Romeo, Act 2, Scene 2)
In response to our call for Love Letters and Love Poems to celebrate Valentine's Day, Flapper Press received beautifully written expressions of love in many unique and creative styles. We hope that you will enjoy reading them as much as we did. Our hope is to make this written celebration of Love an annual tradition for our readers.
Happy Valentine's Day!
From Evelyn Bowman
My dear Paul,
Without you, Valentine’s Day has lost its meaning. But even after thirteen years, I can still remember the ones we shared—the lunches, the necklace, the flowers, and more. It just seemed a good time to remind you of your importance to me.
I miss so many things about you, little and big, that enriched my life. The most important is your love, and with it your wonderful smile that seemed to transform your serious face into laughter and light and gave me great joy. I miss your strong arms around me and your encouraging words of endearment. I miss your wry sense of humor that endeared you to family and friends. I miss your easy ability to look at a problem and quietly help us come to a decision.
Yes, I wanted you to help make decisions in your final weeks. One day we were planning a ride, and I wanted your input. Your response was, “Oh, Evy, I don’t care where we go. Go wherever you would like to. I’ll go anywhere you want, as long as you are there.” Oh, and I miss your lunging at me after the elevator door was closed and we were alone, giving me a kiss and a bear hug and telling me that you loved me. Those were special moments.
The apartment is cold and lifeless without you. There’s no one to give a “yoo-hoo” to as I come in the door. Those sixty-six years were far too short, yet melded us in ways I’ll never understand. That you and I formed part of the deep meaning of each other’s lives is one of the greatest blessings that has ever come to me. I’m still in love with you as much as ever, and you are still with me every sing day, every single hour. The nights are long, and I miss your warmth. I awake in the middle of the night, search for your feet, but they are not there.
My feet are so-oo-oo cold!
I love you,
Evy
From John H.
Dear Julia,
I have always disliked Valentine Day. "Just a Hallmark day,” I’d say because if you only told someone once a year that you cared, how much could it mean? Well, this year I think I have it figured out.
As a little kid in Catholic school, the nuns would tell us about our guardian angels. I really never thought much about it, though. I am now. ou see, last year, I really saw my guardian angel and discovered that there was more than one. My guardian angels came in all different shapes and sizes. They all dressed differently, yet the same. They did different tasks, but yet the same. You see, my guardian angels came as hospice caregivers. Why do I call them my guardian angels? They helped me and pulled me through my darkest hour. When I didn’t know what the dosage was or how to administer it correctly to my partner, suddenly, my guardian angel appeared with the answer. When I was cleaning up diarrhea for the fourth or fifth time that day and my guardian angels came into the house, assessed the situation, dropped everything and said, "We will finish that for you, that is our job," I saw angels. At times I was totally stressed out and really needed to vent as I was ready to explode. I’d look up and there was a guardian angel telling me, "I understand.”
The best days of the week were the days my guardian angels were to come, and I really looked forward to the phone call or text saying they were on their way. When the situation demanded full PPE and I would tie the strings in the back for the girls, I could feel the grace of God flowing into me. The trips to the grocery store and looking around for that special treat to give to my angels made grocery shopping more fun. I had to find time to make cinnamon rolls, for sure, around Christmas, because my guardian angels might like some. Sure, I know caregivers work for a wage, but there is not enough money in the world for most people to do what caregivers do. So, I have found the real reason for St. Valentine's Day. It is a chance to tell all my guardians angels, "I love you.”
❤️ John H.
From John Tuohy
My wife Lynn wrote this to me many, many years ago. I treasure these words and have often sent them back to her.
"My love for you is what guides me through my life.”
From Diane Lobsiger
Dear girls,
I am your Mother, Grandmother and GG, Great Grandmother. I want all of you to know and believe what beautiful women you are becoming. All so strong, brave, God Loving, caring, thoughtful, artistic and creative. Most of all you make me so proud to know that whatever life throws at you, you will all stand strong together and become a force to be reckoned with. I Love all of you with all my heart, and know when I'm gone, you will carry on with God in your heart with love for all animals and those people around you who care for you. Be Happy in all things you do for yourselves but most especially for others. God Bless you all.
Hugs always, Gramma Di
