Do it yourself Valentine's Day love poem

I posted this poem last year, but it applies any year, so I'm reposting it for all you tongue-tied lovers.

**********************************

I like writing poems, even though I’m not all that great at it.  It’s a curse. *sigh* This particular poem is something I wrote as a do-it-yourself project where it could apply to anyone.  It’s not great, but it’ll do in a pinch for anyone who just can’t weave words.  I hereby give you permission to use it in any way that doesn’t include making money from it.

This love poem can be used any time of the year, but is especially useful on Valentine’s Day.  The language is such that it can apply to man or woman of any orientation.

Everything in italics is a customizable option.  Choose one, delete the others, un-italicize it.

 *** section *** marks the 6 different sections of the poem.  In most cases, there are options where the entire verses can be personalized.  Delete the parts that don’t apply.

Seriously: delete the extra parts and get rid of the italics once you choose the word you like, otherwise it’s going to look very lame when you give it to your significant other.  ;)

A Poem of Love

*** section 1 ***

My darling wife, husband, fiancé, lover, partner, girlfriend, boyfriend.

Thank you for being in my life.

You mean so very much to me.

I don’t always tell you how much I love, adore, admire, worship, care about you, think you’re totally awesome. 

You brighten my days with your light.

You make my nights bearable with your warmth.

Your presence brings joy to my heart.

Your kiss, hug, embrace, touch makes life wonderful.

*** section 2 ***

Option 1: For a new relationship, this:

Meeting you has been the best experience in my life.

It feels like I’m walking on air when I’m with you.

The clouds are smiling as we pass them by.

Stars twinkle in approval when we soar through the atmosphere.

The touch of your hand thrills me.

The sound of your voice brings me joy.

The sight of your smile makes my knees weak.

The gaze of your eyes fulfills me.

Option 2: For a long relationship, this:

Our lives together have been the grandest adventure of all.

We have seen and done so many things together.

Our journey has been filled with good times and difficult ones.

And there is much more to be explored.

The touch of your hand still thrills me.

The sound of your voice still brings me joy.

The sight of your smile still makes my knees weak.

The gaze of your eyes still fulfills me.

*** section 3 ***

Option 1: If life has been hard, this:

There have been so many challenges for us to face lately.

Every time we move forward, we get pushed back.

Just getting through to the next day seems impossible.

The universe seems determined to see our failure.

You keep me going.

You make those challenges bearable.

You help me to take each impossible step.

You are my success.

Option 2: If life has been good, this:

We have met every challenge presented to us.

We step forward whenever life would push us back.

Every day is brighter when I’m with you.

The universe basks in our triumph.

You keep me going.

You make every challenge bearable.

You help me to take each wonderful step.

You are my success.

*** section 4 ***

Option 1: If the target person has had hard times, this:

Lately it seems like the world has been out to get you.

I’ve seen you suffer at the treatment of others.

Your confidence has been shattered.

It hurts me to see you in so much pain.

You are the most amazing person I have met in my life.

Others do not see your potential as I do.

You don’t always see your own abilities.

Look and see how wonderful you are in the reflection of my eyes.

Option 2: If the target person has been successful, this:

The world is in awe of your ability.

Others look to you for inspiration.

You are poised and self-assured.

You are a leader in all that you do.

You are the most amazing person I have met in my life.

You have the potential to change the world.

I am better for knowing you.

Look and see how wonderful you are in the reflection of my eyes.

*** section 5 ***

Add if the person has children, delete if not.

When I look at our children, it fills me with wonder.

There is so much hope in their eyes.

The world around them frightens us.

But we give them love, compassion and the tools to succeed.

*** section 6 ***

When I’m not with you, it hurts.

When I’m not with you, there is an emptiness within.

When I’m not with you, sorrow fills me.

When I’m not with you, the smile disappears from my face.

I give you this poem.

To tell you how magnificent you are.

To let you know how beautiful, handsome you are.

I am the luckiest man, woman, person in the world for having you by my side.

I hope this is helpful to all you lovebirds out there.

All my best,

John H. Carroll

I want to be Free - A Poem

Standard disclaimer

I have been writing (mostly bad) poetry since I was 21.  This is very odd considering I absolutely hate poetry.  Poetry drives me up a wall.  As a form of writing, it tends to be overly impressed with itself.  If someone wishes to say something, it's best just to come out and say it instead of tying it up in uselessly colorful words that confuse the entire situation.

So . . . now that I've gone on a rant about how much I dislike poetry . . . Let's get back to the fact that I write it. *sigh*  The fact of the matter is, poetry is a very useful tool for writers.  It's a way to get concepts, images and ideas onto paper and experiment with words.  It's also awesome for saying lovey-dovey-gushy stuff.

Please understand that this was written before I was writing consistently.  The technical merits of the writing are . . . non-existent.  It could be written much better, but I'm not going to edit it.  I figure this will keep me from becoming too impressed with myself if I hit it big. ;)

Explanation

I'm really not sure what I was thinking here . . .

Also, I'm going to add a couple of pictures, because pictures go very well with poems, no? Here's one now . . .

Moonlit beach, just like in the poem

The poem

I want to be free

I want to be free
I want to go everywhere
I want to see everything
I want to experience existence

Life is full of wonder and beauty
So much to see and hear
So much to touch and feel
I want to know it all

Walking along the beach at nighttime
The moon is shining on the water
The waves are crashing on the rocks
I'm swimming in power

Moving through the forest in the day
The wind is whispering through the trees
The birds are singing to each other
I'm floating in peace

Riding in the timeless desert
The sun is beating on the sand
The lizard and snake are resting on a rock
I'm writhing in ecstasy

Standing on the highest mountain
The snow is blanketing the rocks
The clouds are resting below me
I'm immobile in fascination

Flying throughout the eternal universe
The music is keeping a melody flowing
The stars are spinning in harmony
I'm rushing in a rhapsody

I want to be free
I want someone to share this with
I want everyone to be free
I want all life to experience existence.


Copyright 9 August 1991 John H. Carroll

Standing on mountains looking down at clouds.  Also in the poem.

The Eternal War of Beauty - A poem

Standard disclaimer

I have been writing (mostly bad) poetry since I was 21.  This is very odd considering I absolutely hate poetry.  Poetry drives me up a wall.  As a form of writing, it tends to be overly impressed with itself.  If someone wishes to say something, it's best just to come out and say it instead of tying it up in uselessly colorful words that confuse the entire situation.

So . . . now that I've gone on a rant about how much I dislike poetry . . . Let's get back to the fact that I write it. *sigh*  The fact of the matter is, poetry is a very useful tool for writers.  It's a way to get concepts, images and ideas onto paper and experiment with words.  It's also awesome for saying lovey-dovey-gushy stuff.

Please understand that this was written before I was writing consistently.  The technical merits of the writing are . . . non-existent.  It could be written much better, but I'm not going to edit it.  I figure this will keep me from becoming too impressed with myself if I hit it big. ;)



Sunrise/sunset?  Either way, we're ready for war.



Explanation of this poem.

This is the second poem I wrote.  I was debating with myself (before I had emo bunnies to debate with) whether I should write a poem about a sunset or a sunrise.  Both are amazingly beautiful at times.  I couldn't decide and I didn't have emo bunnies to help me choose at the time, so I wrote a poem trying to figure out whether a sunset was more beautiful than a sunrise or vice versa. I totally rode the fence on the subject.

And the emo bunnies have just told me that they like both.  Pretty things make them sad.



This is a sunrise (probably)



The poem (cue coffee shop atmosphere where everyone wears black turtlenecks and snaps their fingers when it's done)

The Eternal War of Beauty

There is an eternal war occurring

A war to see which is more beautiful

This is the war of sunrise against sunset

Which is more beautiful?

The sunrise heralds the start of a new day

It lives in a place called the east

Abolishing the fearful night, the sunrise brings new hope

Is it the most beautiful?

The sunset brings the wonderful night

It exists in the land of the west

eliminating the cruel day, the sunset shows us peace

Is this the most beautiful?

A golden light appears in a fresh and new land

Shooting rays of wondrous radiance thread through a light blue sky

Awakening the world with love and vitality

It is the sunrise that is most beautiful.

Deep red and purple illuminates clouds and mountains

A fire of solid excitement burning a darkening sky

Showing the Earth peace and power

The sunset is definitely the most beautiful

This is not actually a war

It is a continuing cycle of harmony

One would not exist without the other

Together they are the most beautiful thing on this planet

Copyright 8 August 1991 John H. Carroll



This is a sunset (probably)



It's been a while, Hasn't it? --- A Valentine's Day poem

Why I wrote this poem

My wife and I have been through a lot of hard times together and have always managed to make it through.  During this period, we were doing a little better.  My wife and I were able to buy some newer clothes and she could get her nails and hair done.  She liked looking good and was gaining confidence in her appearance to go along with growing confidence in herself.

It was important to acknowledge how wonderful she had always been and how much I appreciate her.  I debated whether or not to share this, but I like showing everyone these things.  My wife doesn't mind.  She's thrilled whenever I write a poem and she likes that I show others how we feel about each other.

It's Been a While, Hasn't It?


Hello, my Love

It’s been a while hasn’t it?

It’s been a while since I’ve written you a poem

It’s been a while since I’ve told you exactly how much I love you

I know that I tell you I love you a few times a day

I even remember to tell you how beautiful you are sometimes

Sometimes I’ll kiss you a little longer

Sometimes I’ll look in your eyes a little deeper

But it’s been a while since I’ve written you a poem

The kind that lets you know how wonderful you truly are

The kind that lets you know how beautiful I find you

The kind that lets you know that I’m the luckiest man in the world

You make an amazing difference in my life

When I’m not with you, I don’t feel right

I feel as though there is an emptiness next to me

I even panic a little inside if you go too far away

I love looking at you every day

Lately you’ve taken more pride in yourself and your appearance

You used to be afraid to let people see you

Now you shine like a beacon to those around you

I don’t think you realize that you have become a pillar in your community

I don’t think you realize that others look to you for advice and stability

You have become a confident woman

I don’t think you realize that others feel inadequate around you

I am in awe of the self-assured woman you have become

I know you do not always feel this way

I understand sometimes the ghosts of the past worry you

I see the uncertainty of the future scares you at times

That is why you have me

I will always be your safety in the storm

I will be the rock that you can lean on

I will be your partner through this life

It’s been a while since I told you how much I love you

I do, you know

I love you so very much

My Love

I love waking up and hitting the snooze button and then cuddling

I love telling you to have a good day

I always think of calling you when I’m at work

I jump whenever the phone rings hoping it’s you

Is it silly to feel that way after all these years?

Isn’t that the way new lovers are supposed to react?

I can’t help it though

I always want to be with you

I love sitting next to you with our family around us

We really are a good family you know

I find myself filled with joy when I look at our children

I think it’s wonderful they are loved and live good lives

It feels as though it should be easy to take us for granted

Everything seems so natural when we are together

Our marriage and our family feel so right

Yet every day I find myself in awe that we are living so well

I know we have trials ahead of us

I know we are going to make some changes in our lives

But I look forward to making them with you

I feel that together, we can do anything

So, it’s been a while

I’m telling you now

I love you, I always will

My love

Happy Valentines Day

Copyright 2007 John H. Carroll

The Aesthetic Desert - A Poem

Standard disclaimer

I have been writing (mostly bad) poetry since I was 21.  This is very odd considering I absolutely hate poetry.  Poetry drives me up a wall.  As a form of writing, it tends to be overly impressed with itself.  If someone wishes to say something, it's best just to come out and say it instead of tying it up in uselessly colorful words that confuse the entire situation.

So . . . now that I've gone on a rant about how much I dislike poetry . . . Let's get back to the fact that I write it. *sigh*  The fact of the matter is, poetry is a very useful tool for writers.  It's a way to get concepts, images and ideas onto paper and experiment with words.  It's also awesome for saying lovey-dovey-gushy stuff.

Please understand that this was written before I was writing consistently.  The technical merits of the writing are . . . non-existent.  It could be written much better, but I'm not going to edit it.  I figure this will keep me from becoming too impressed with myself if I hit it big. ;)

Explanation of this poem

This is the first poem I wrote.  I decided to give writing a shot and based upon what I did here, I thought I was pretty good.  In spite of that delusion, I continued to write and now almost have delusions of success.

I was raised in the Mojave Desert.  It truly is a beautiful place when one spends some time and accepts it.  I found myself just sitting and staring for hours.  The desert revealed itself to me.  One of these days I'm going to have to try writing a poem about it that's actually decent, so that perhaps you will be able to see what I once did.

The poem (cue coffee shop atmosphere where everyone wears black turtlenecks and snaps their fingers when it's done)

The Aesthetic Desert

Looking out over the desert

I can see for miles and miles

I'm standing on top of a butte

The desert surrounds me

In the day, the sky is so clear and clean

Wonderful blue, streaked with thin cream

At night, there are trillions upon trillions of star

Darkest black, sparked with brilliant white

I am in love with the desert

It is one of the most beautiful works of art

My words can't come close enough

The desert lives in me

So much life, animals that call it home

Alive and moving, creatures that know no fear

Extraordinary life, brush and cactus making it home

Strong plants, providing shelter for the animals

This aesthetic desert is harsh

Gusty winds that attempt to blow away life

Freezing nights stopping all movement

The glaring sun ruthlessly ruling the sky and land

Survival, this is the test

The hardiest, only they may survive it

The losers, they leave it as lesser beings

The survivors, they know true strength and beauty

I walk at one with the desert

I am at peace with myself and the desert

I revel in the life and in the survival

The aesthetic desert surrounds me

Copyright 8 August 1991 John H. Carroll

My Mountain Lake - A Poem

Explanation

I have been writing (mostly bad) poetry since I was 21.  This is very odd considering I absolutely hate poetry.  Poetry drives me up a wall.  As a form of writing, it tends to be overly impressed with itself.  If someone wishes to say something, it's best just to come out and say it instead of tying it up in uselessly colorful words that confuse the entire situation.

So . . . now that I've gone on a rant about how much I dislike poetry . . . Let's get back to the fact that I write it. *sigh*  The fact of the matter is, poetry is a very useful tool for writers.  It's a way to get concepts, images and ideas onto paper and experiment with words.  It's also awesome for saying lovey-dovey-gushy stuff.

This specific poem is about Muncho Lake in the Colorado Rockies of Northern British Columbia. Muncho Lake  It was a sight I viewed while driving to Alaska back in 1994.  The scene is as I remember it in the morning after sleeping in my little Toyota pickup truck overnight.

From Wikipedia:
The jade green color of the lake is attributed to the presence of copper oxide leached from the bedrock underneath. Its name is derived from the Kaska language in which "muncho" translates as "big water".

Please understand that this was written before I was writing consistently.  The technical merits of the writing are . . . non-existant.  It could be written much better, but I'm not going to edit it.  I figure this will keep me from becoming too impressed with myself if I hit it big. ;)

My Mountain Lake

Snowcapped peaks

Rugged rock

Breaking the sky

Towering over land

Clouds above

Bringing moisture of life

Waiting for time

To release their gift

Beams of light

Parading down

Godly in manner

Brilliantly shining

A lake of jade

Calm little rippled

Silently lapping

Upon shores of grass

Trees climbing mountains

Douglas and spruce

Orange and red

Yellow and green

Swans passing over

On their way south

Spreading their wings

spreading their beauty

Over this I look

Gazing at this sight

Holding my breath

In wonder and awe

I am filled with amazement

At a sight of such beauty

I now leave my body

And play in this space

Over this lake I fly

Under the water I gaze

Hopping from peak to peak

I revel in life

Freedom is here

Untainted and true

Pleasure and beauty

Of the artist unknown

I look back toward my body

Basking in joy

I am at peace

With all that I am

Thank you my mountain lake

For sharing your beauty

FOr sharing your tapestry

For simply being there

I will always remember

The joy you have given

I will someday return

To see you again

Copyright 1994 John H. Carroll

My Fiance, My love

Explanation

I have been writing (mostly bad) poetry since I was 21.  This is very odd considering I absolutely hate poetry.  Poetry drives me up a wall.  As a form of writing, it tends to be overly impressed with itself.  If someone wishes to say something, it's best just to come out and say it instead of tying it up in uselessly colorful words that confuse the entire situation.

So . . . now that I've gone on a rant about how much I dislike poetry . . . Let's get back to the fact that I write it. *sigh*  The fact of the matter is, poetry is a very useful tool for writers.  It's a way to get concepts, images and ideas onto paper and experiment with words.  It's also awesome for saying lovey-dovey-gushy stuff.

That's what this poem is.  My wife and I have been together for nearly 16 years and we've been married nearly 15.  I wrote this particular poem in 1996, shortly after I asked Tracy to marry me. :)  I found it in my notebook of poetry and decided to tortur . . . share it with you. *evil laughter*

Please understand that this was written before I was writing consistently.  The technical merits of the writing are . . . non-existant.  It could be written much better, but I'm not going to edit it.  I figure she still married me ever after I gave this to her soooooo . . .

The Poem

My Fiancé, My Love

What a joy to love

And a joy to be loved

To feel the warmth of a heart

To give my hear to another

So long have I wandered

Alone with my dreams

Dreams of romance and compassion

Dreams of love

The world was as an old movie

Always black and white

Colors were nonexistent

All was faded and dull

Smiles were half-hearted

Genuine, yet with a tinge of sadness

A smile always wanting more

Needing an unknown strength

Eyes without a twinkle

Mostly guarded and closed

A distant longing

Ever present deep within

So much beauty seen

So many experiences enjoyed

Always half-empty

Known only by me

I looked to my side

Only to see no one there

I jumped at life

Only to find it wanting

Often I have sighed

Dreaming impossible dreams

Often I lay down

To feel my bed empty

I have known happiness

But it has always been lacking

Needing somewhat more

Wanting to be fuller

This is what has gone before

This is how it used to be

This is when I was alone

Before I met you

Now my life is full

Color surrounds me everywhere

My surroundings vivid

Full of life and energy

My smiles are now bright

Whole and complete

My heart wants to sing

Strong and loud to all

My eyes shine with love

Twinkling with laughter

Proud with knowledge of you

Confident with joy

The beauty I see is you

For it is hard to look away

Experiences are shared

Enjoyed to the fullest

I look to my side

To see you always there

Life is now complete

A road to walk with you

Still I sigh often

But with contentment

I lay down

To find your warmth waiting

I now know true happiness

Lacking not; because of you

Needing nothing more

But to share my life with you

Thank you for saying yes

For giving your love to me

For accepting my love to you

Thank you for being

I love you Tracy

John

Copyright 1996 John H. Carroll

Poem - For Better or Worse

Explanation

 I write poetry for my wife every once in awhile.  This is one I wrote last year when we were going through some tough times.
I don't try to write masterpieces with my poetry, just convey whatever I'm feeling at the moment.

For better or worse


I married you for better or worse.
I want you to know that you are the part of my life that is the “better”.
The universe is the part that is the worse.
I’ll kick the universe’s ass later.

I love being married to you. 
I love holding you.
I love coming home to you.
I love you.

Life is really hard right now for us.
There have been many trials by fire. . .
. . . ice, wind, earth, spirit,
Goblins, trolls. . .you name it, if it’s been a trial, it’s been there for us.

We have both struggled with these trials.
I am supposed to be your rock.
I feel more like a pebble lately.
The kind of pebble that gets its ass kicked by other pebbles.

Thirteen years is a long time in this day and age.
The truth is, I’d like to be with you for thirteen decades.
Not a decade more.  We don’t want to push it. 
Okay maybe a few more decades. . .

You are my love. 
It is simple enough to say.
But you know how much it means. 
I think perhaps I should call you that a bit more.

We will get through the worse.
You and I are capable of making it through anything.
That’s not an invitation for the universe to dump on us btw.
We will make it through these trials.

You are the better in my life.
You are the reason I keep going.
You are my love.
Together, we can make it through the worse.

 Copyright 2009 John H. Carroll