Entry from Stacy Schmidt
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.
Odious Odysseus,
Deceitful and Perfidious,
For ten years Penelope and Telemachus faithfully await
While with Circe and Calypso you faithlessly mate.
Defying death at Troy, defeating Cyclops and Sirens calling
Is it so very difficult to secure your pants from falling?
You warred with Poseidon and fought a sea beast
Determined to reach Penelope -while allowing your lusts to feast?
My Valentine would go to a man who could win such battles
Endure such struggles yet not return as a jackal.
Penelope was overjoyed to receive him at the end of his journey,
But I would have put an arrow through his heart at the tourney.
Thus, my Valentine goes to the men who were loving and faithful through laughter and tears-
Joseph, Peter, Zechariah, Aquila and my own loving husband of 35 years.
(And maybe our love remains faithful and true
Because I would use Cupid’s arrow to turn his dangly bits blue.)
Stacy Schmidt
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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