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Plain Man's Valentine

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By Frank Jaye

 

You’ll get no Valentine from me; I’m not the type,

Pallid daffodils prematurely delivered – all that transatlantic hype.

I am not easy with love, be it concept, verb or noun,

My sentiments are more mundane and wear a plainer crown,

Embellished with affection, encouragement, respect not least,

You moderate my temper, rising still like yeast.

 

Maturity has scoured my edges and softened yours,

And laid time’s patina on unimportant flaws.

The swingeing tax of children is reduced to insignificant rate,

Interest accrues through their concern about our ripe and tranquil state.

Reliving youth through their careers and parenthood,

This time each pitfall belatedly recognised and understood,

And when illusion blurs and for the moment passes,

We smile, go home, and don our rosy glasses.

 

Our roles entwine, combine, reverse.

This week you the patient, I the nurse.

But beyond these superficial attributes,

It is you who has put down the roots,

Which have nurtured our married life,

Through forty years of man and wife,

So satin heart or sweet confection,

Could not express my deep affection. 

 

Frank Jaye (1926-2013)

 

 

Valentine poem

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Comments

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Greg Freeman

Thu 9th Jan 2014 17:45

Harry, many thanks for coming on to our site to express your thoughts about Frank. I hope that maybe Jean will let me post one or two more of his poems here in the future. As you can see, 'Plain Man's Valentine' has been much admired.

<Deleted User> (11778)

Thu 9th Jan 2014 17:09

Frank was one of the good guys. Nobody could wish for a better brother. Always there for the family when needed. The kindest golf partner I have ever played with, no hassle just good advice plus a poet and true gentleman. A husband to emulate.
I will miss him forever.

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Francine

Wed 8th Jan 2014 19:04

You can feel the heartfelt emotion in this... Lovely.

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Isobel

Tue 7th Jan 2014 19:19

What a beautiful poem and what a wonderful tribute to his wife.

Now that's the kind of love that's worth having - whatever you choose to call it.

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M.C. Newberry

Sat 4th Jan 2014 16:35

What woman wouldn't be delighted upon receiving such a tribute?
Form and content are equally pleasing.

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Harry O'Neill

Sat 4th Jan 2014 14:04


Greg,
What a wise and true poem celebrating a
mutually tolerant and appreciating marriage!

Thanks for posting it.

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Greg Freeman

Sat 4th Jan 2014 13:45

My friend Frank Jaye wrote this poem for his wife Jean. It was read out at his funeral last month, along with John Betjeman's exuberant poem 'Seaside Golf'. Frank's career was in industry, and before he embarked on that he was a trainee reporter on the Daily Worker, which later became the Morning Star, and a cinema manager. After retirement he got involved in poetry, as well as golf, and passed me an entry form for a local poetry competition which made a great difference to my life. I post this poem with Jean's permission, and in respect and admiration for Frank as a poet and friend.

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