Linda Baie is hosting the Poetry Friday Roundup this week at her blog,TeacherDance. Make sure to stop by. You’ll find links to other poetry posts there, but her blog is also a fabulous place to get a sneak peek into recent releases.
I’ve been participating in Laura Shovan’s February poetry challenge, and I’d intended to share a poem I’d written during the past week. Then, with snow day time on my hands, I happened to get on Facebook today. I spotted a Valentine quiz someone had shared, and this poem happened. It’s a bit schmaltzy but it’s timely at any rate.
Riffing off a Facebook Valentine Quiz
We met in high school.
He sat behind me in class,
two years older,
a senior to my sophomore.
Our first date was a snow day hike
through Towner’s Woods.
He picked me up.
(I couldn’t drive yet.)
Little did we know then
that one fine May day,
seven years later,
we’d marry there.
Three years after that
we’d scatter the ashes
of our firstborn child.
For better. For worse.
Now after thirty years of marriage
and three more children
we’re irrevocably intertwined.
He’s the loudest.
I’m the most stubborn.
He’s a better cook, but
I’m the better baker.
I fall asleep first
and he has the worse temper.
Hands down, he’s crazier.
I suspect I’m more sensitive.
We cleave unto each other.
In sickness and in health.
We love and we cherish.
Most days we’re both certain
that we’re better off
simply because
we’re together.
Molly Hogan ©2020
Then
Now-ish
Bonus: A Valentine squirrel. See how his hands make a perfect little heart?
Nix the comfort zone 
Great poem, and I LOVE the old picture!
Sent from my iPad
>
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Patty. It was nice to have a snow day and be able to play a bit 🙂 I look back at that photo and think what babies we were! lol
LikeLike
I love this with all my heart! And a few teary eyes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Margaret. As we like to say at our home, “What a long strange trip it’s been!”
LikeLike
Your poem is quite lovely! Thank you for sharing.And the squirrel is perfect.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Rose. I love those little squirrel paws 🙂
LikeLike
Love the poem. It’s so fortunate to find someone to live your life with and be better together. The squirrel picture is perfect. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is fortunate! And most days we both remember that 🙂
LikeLike
LOVE your poem and photos, Molly! The squirrel’s little hands are adorable too. You captured such essential specifics about the two of you, and succeeded in expressing your love and affection without being sentimental.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Jama. I was afraid I was going to veer into cheesy.
LikeLike
We find hearts everywhere, & your squirrel is my huge smile for the day, Molly. I’m happy, too, that you found that quiz. It’s a beautiful and loving poem about you and your husband, maybe “to” your husband. “Together” makes it very sweet indeed. Happy Valentine’s Day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad “my” squirrel made you smile. I get a kick out of that picture every time I look at it.
LikeLike
This post is such a wonderful valentine! Love the poem, the photos, the squirrel 💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Tabatha. Squirrels make everything better, right? lol
LikeLike
Molly, this poem took my breath away…those ashes in the woods. Oh, Lord the pain of that inside the beauty of your courtship and life together. What a Valentine. Some good words from a snow day! I’m super duper impressed!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I heard on the radio that the average millennial spends $209 on their significant others on Valentine’s Day. I don’t know what generation we are, but clearly I’m cheaper! Poetry is free! 🙂
LikeLike
I love your poem. Those pictures of now and then are just priceless.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The “then” picture seems like a lifetime ago. I guess it was!
LikeLike
I love everything about your poem, Molly! It was great to see the pictures of your beautiful family too. And the squirrel, absolutely adorable!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Amy! How nice to see your face and comment here! I hope all’s well. Are you doing the SOL Challenge in March? I’m on the fence.
LikeLike
I’m going to pass on the SOL challenge this year. I’m working on journaling everyday. I’m not quite at that point yet, but I’m making progress. There’s a group on FB called #100daysofnotebooking that is inspiring me. I’ll cheer you on if you decide to take the challenge!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Amy! Though I didn’t take the challenge, I’ve been enjoying watching the Facebook group and reading some posts. Writing communities are the best!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the pictures of you two, 30 years ago and today. Spread the ashes! Whoa. It’s just a reminder that everyone has stories with joy and stories of sadness. Few people know because it never comes up in conversation, but Hannah had a miscarriage between our first child Molly and our second Robyn. “Be kind. Everyone is dealing with something.” Again, the realness (and by that I mean its authenticity) of your poetry and prose makes me aware of your fullness as a person. As usual, thanks for risking as you write.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Did you know that the Japanese have special traditions for grieving miscarried babies? I think this is a loss that sadly often goes unacknowledged in our culture. In our case, our son, who was born prematurely, lived three days. Everyone has a story, indeed. Thanks for sharing some more of yours.
LikeLike
I didn’t know of the Japanese tradition. There’s more to our story and I’m betting more to yours. Look forward to your visit to York come spring.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love how you poem-ized that FB challenge! So much more meaningful. (And the squirrel heart-hands! Squee!!!!)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I might have…just maybe….a couple dozen more photos of that cute little squirrel. lol Even when they’re robbing the feeders, they make me laugh.
LikeLike
So beautiful! Thank you for sharing this and for how personal it is. Not schmaltzy. Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Ruth. Sometimes it’s hard to gauge on the schmaltzy-meter when you’re in the thick of it.
LikeLike
Lovely poem, Molly. And you had me shedding a few tears for you and for me, as we shared a similar loss around the same time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so sorry for your loss, Buffy. We all carry around so many hidden stories, don’t we?
LikeLike
What a scrumptious post and poem Molly, and lovely, fun pics too, thanks for all!
LikeLike