Entry from Julia Hawkes-Moore

A Valentine’s poetry competition for lovers of history

A poll will run from 4–12 February to choose the winner, who will be announced on Valentine’s Day.

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Anna Throndsen's Sweet Revenge on James Bothwell

I will build you a filigree tower,

Enclosing itself like a shell,

Wrought from the ice of a crystal

And ringing as clear as a bell.

I will fill it with spun-silver cobwebs,

Hung about with the frost of a pearl,

To each spire I will fasten a banner,

For each breeze to softly unfurl.

All this I will plant in a garden,

Every vista disclosing a bower,

Verdant with willow and cypress,

And every sweet herb and flower,

Then smiling gently in envy,

The while of this land I’ll enclose

With soaring and dense palisades

Of sharply-thorned ruby red rose.

And lastly, ecstatic in vengeance,

Your imprisonment there I will cause,

Immuring you in my Paradise,

As you have enthralled me in yours.

Julia Hawkes-Moore

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To celebrate Valentine’s Day, we’re delighted to announce a brand new writing competition created especially for fans of Jodi Taylor.

This time, we’re inviting you to put pen to paper and compose a Valentine’s Day poem addressed to a famous person from history. The poem can be romantic, witty, heartfelt or mischievous, but it must include rhyming couplets. Submissions close on Saturday, 31st January, after which all entries will be published on Jodi's social media for readers to enjoy. The winner will be chosen through a public poll held between 1st and 13th February, and announced on 14th February. As a lasting keepsake, the winner will receive a beautifully framed copy of their poem.

CLICK HERE to submit your edited and formatted entry in Word document form.

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