Ogden Nash on Valentine's Day

Because no one can say it better than The Nash. . .

To My Valentine

More than a catbird hates a cat,
Or a criminal hates a clue,
Or the Axis hates the United States,
That's how much I love you.

I love you more than a duck can swim,
And more than a grapefruit squirts,
I love you more than a gin rummy is a bore,
And more than a toothache hurts.

As a shipwrecked sailor hates the sea,
Or a juggler hates a shove,
As a hostess detests unexpected guests,
That's how much you I love.

I love you more than a wasp can sting,
And more than the subway jerks,
I love you as much as a beggar needs a crutch,
And more than a hangnail irks.

I swear to you by the stars above,
And below, if such there be,
As the High Court loathes perjurious oathes,
That's how you're loved by me.

Ellen Toner

After teaching for three years at a classical liberal arts school, Ellen began full-time work as a writer and editor in 2012. She has degrees in Literature and Publishing from the University of Dallas and the University of Denver, respectively. She lives with her husband, writer J.B. Toner, in rural New Hampshire.

Previous
Previous

Pulling Free

Next
Next

Twelve Promises