What a great idea! I've got enough sappy ones to fuel the fireplace for hours!
I could never publish this one, for several reasons. First, it's way under-written, and I'd lose my reputation for overwriting!
Second, it's in fourteeners, and I only do pentameter. And third, it's even sappier than the things I consider art. Full of pet names, in french. Think Gomez, kissing Morticia's hand, whispering "Cara Mia!"
It's a summer valentine, rather than a winter one, but hey, she gets them all year round.
The only background you need to know is that this is from several years ago. She'd gone through cancer surgery a few months before, and had just finished the last of her radiation treatments. They took a lot out of her. Before she went to sleep, she asked me to write her something, for her to read when she woke up. I wasn't writing anything back then, but how could I refuse?
.
Aubade
My darling, sleep a little now, the night is over, no
strange visitors have haunted us, the dawn has broken clear
and I am well this summer day, though fevers burned all night,
I can’t explain their origin. Now we have much to do:
just yesterday, at evening, the altar cabinet came.
Although the walls are still undone, I’ll have them fixed today.
Sleep well, my lovely sorcière, you need the rest, it’s been
a winter filled with untold wind, an overrainy spring
and all through those your illness made you weary every dawn!
It’s summer now, you’re well again, the garden needs some care
but all the elements are strong: our lotus blossoms swell
and I delight to think of what you’ll say when they’re in bloom.
Now deeply sleep, ma petite fauve, consume me while you dream
or find me lounging by the shore in gentle reverie.
I give myself to you, and this small cottage now is yours.
We’ll rearrange each room to your delight, or let it go
since I’m imagining the way the sunlight tumbles in
around your dappled changing form. My lithe gazelle, awake!
Thanks,
Bill