2. Entry from Annabel Smyth

A Valentine’s poetry competition for lovers of history

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“Old John of Gaunt, and gaunt in being old”,

Thus Shakespeare put it; I am not so bold!

But dare address you, and your Duchess, who

Are my forebears, if DNA be true.

All down the centuries our line has run,

(although one father did not sire his son),

From your son John, the generations came

Down to my humble self, who shared the name

That many bore; and some still bear today

Of Somerset. And now I hope I may

Express my wishes for a day so fine

For you to celebrate Saint Valentine.

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We were delighted to receive so many entries to this competition. We asked for a Valentine’s Day Poem with rhyming couplets written for any figure from history.

Please CLICK HERE to read all the poems and then CLICK HERE to vote.

The winner will be announced on St Valentine’s Day and will received a framed copy of their poem.

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