21. Entry from Josephine Stonard

A Valentine’s poetry competition for lovers of history

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Dear Ada,

My lady, I write to address,

Emotions I hold which I’m scared to confess.

I’m worried you’ll think me insane, or yet worse,

Mistake these poor words for a hoax or a curse.

Perhaps you’ll confuse my intention for humour,

Designed to be sour, cause hurt or start rumour.

I hope you’ll see past that, to truth that’s inside,

I mean all I say, I have little to hide.

Right now, you may feel that life is too hard,

That a woman of science will never go far.

Or that lovers of maths are derided and scorned,

So, my news may seem madness, you have been forewarned.

In the future your name will be used ‘cross the world,

As inspiration to intelligent girls.

There will be plaques put upon places you live,

To remind all who see them of knowledge you give.

Computers exist in all homes and all hands,

These tiny devices exist in all lands.

Although you won’t see the fruits of your work,

You’re known as a programmer, what a quirk!

Partly thanks to your toil, leading the way,

Women these days are allowed more to say.

We write novels, run countries and also build games,

So many women are now praising your name.

Whilst I can’t reveal how I see all of this,

I want you to know that you have to persist.

You are loved far and wide, admired by all,

And I hope knowing this will help you walk tall.

On this day of love, I need to express,

How much I adore you, I cannot say less.

How I wish…but alas, you’ll never be mine.

Still, my eternal love,

You’re Valentine

Josephine Stonard

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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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