5. Entry from Ricard Kelly

A Valentine’s poetry competition for lovers of history

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Charles Stuart to Mr Oliver Cromwell

Dearest Noll, my joyless foe, my black-clad Valentine

I trust this note finds you at rest, now the crown is mine

You banned all joy and merriment; draped England in a pall

You shuttered every theatre door, yet staged a kingdom’s fall

You ruled the state, with sermon, sword, and absolute control

You loathed a crown upon a king; but wore one in your soul

Yet England yearned to sing and laugh, those sins you so abhorred

And so, Old Noll, she took me back; my kingdom is restored

Sleep well my pious interlude, my Valentine severe

I toast the crowd, I kiss the crown, and thank God you’re not here

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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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