Amanzimtoti poets’ words set hearts aflutter this #Valentine’sDay
While there were many poems that were good enough to be published, unfortunately there could only be one winner.
THE SUN was overwhelmed by the number of talented budding poets who sent in their words of love for the Valentine’s competition. While there were many poems that were good enough to be published, unfortunately there could only be one winner.
Congratulations to Linda McGregor who has won a two-night self-catering stay for two at Selborne Estate for her beautifully written entry.
The winning poem:
Our years together are almost fifty,
I can’t believe they’ve gone so swiftly.
His hair is gone and mine is grey,
And the middle age spreads are here to stay.
We do things together and do things apart,
But wherever he is he lives in my heart.
Through work and play and tears and laughter
He is my happy ever after.
– Linda McGregor
Linda will be celebrating her 50th wedding anniversary with her husband Alan. Linda explained that while she is the scribe for the bowling club, she doesn’t write too often other than reports. “I believe the words either come to you at that time or they don’t,” she explained. “A friend of mine told me how she enters contests and has since won many prizes, so when I saw the Sun’s contest advertised I thought I may as well go for it.” Linda explained that it’s important to have something in common with your partner.
“Alan is the bowling club’s competitive secretary and I am the scribe. We enjoy playing bowls together, among other things,” she said. “My husband has been such a good example and an amazing father to our two sons. He is very easy-going and so caring,” she said.
Linda and Alan met in England and moved to South Africa six years into their marriage. They initially planned to stay in South Africa for two years only but their plans changed and they ended up creating a life for themselves in SA. Many years down the line, they’re happy with the life they’ve built.
Second place:
We met as kids, as cute as paint,
Now in our seventies that we aint!!
We caught the love-bug both together,
Joined at the hip through any weather.
After 58 years of wedded bliss,
Still holding hands, still giving that kiss.
Maybe greyer, maybe thinner,
But I know without doubt, I picked a winner.
Happy Valentine’s Day
– Isabella Jean Jackson (76)
Isabella has always been an avid poetry writer and can even boast about being placed fourth when she entered her work into Poetry South Africa. “I started writing poetry in my 40s and now I write often and enjoy it. I mostly write about my beloved, Peter, who I have been married to for 58 years now,” she explained. “We keep ourselves busy with gardening, fixing items, cooking, cleaning and woodwork. I think we complement each other well.”
Isabella met the love of her life some 60 years ago. “It’s so important to build a friendship before anything else,” she said. The Jacksons have two children, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren with another on the way.
Third place:
For my husband
In a world of chaos,
Beneath my skin,
A ray of light comes from within.
I look to you in search of hope,
Beyond the pain,
You ignite my heart.
The walls fall down,
You have opened my eyes,
The truth has overcome the lies.
I commit my life to you,
I love you more than you know,
I promise to be forever yours and never let you go.
– Maxine Carter
Maxine hasn’t written since her school days but when she saw the Sun’s contest advertised she took the opportunity to share some love-filled passages about her husband, Darren. She enjoys other artistic hobbies such as pottery and painting, as it calms her. “My husband inspires me constantly, as he’s an important influence to me. We were together in school but then drifted apart after school. We then found each other a few years later and rekindled,” she said.
Maxine has been with Darren for 10 years, is married and has two beautiful children. “He is so special, so amazing. He keeps me afloat, he’s an amazing provider and my rock in life. He does the best he can at everything and it shows. This poem was to explain how much I love and appreciate him,” she beamed.
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