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To My Valentine

More than a catbird hates a cat,
Or a criminal hates a clue,
Or the Axis hates the United States,
That's how much I love you.

I love you more than a duck can swim,
And more than a grapefruit squirts,
I love you more than a gin rummy is a bore,
And more than a toothache hurts.

As a shipwrecked sailor hates the sea,
Or a juggler hates a shove,
As a hostess detests unexpected guests,
That's how much you I love.

I love you more than a wasp can sting,
And more than the subway jerks,
I love you as much as a beggar needs a crutch,
And more than a hangnail irks.

I swear to you by the stars above,
And below, if such there be,
As the High Court loathes perjurious oathes,
That's how you're love by me.

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Comments

  • Unbridled1
    September 27, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    I absolutely adore this poem! It goes directly against all of the "usual rules" of valentine day sentiments in the sense that instead of utilizing the pleasant and sweet notions we often associate with love...Ogden Nash relates it to so many things that one would consider unpleasant notions. Yet, spins the thoughts in such a way as to still get the meaning across.

    This is definitely a first-rate, mud in the face twist on the standard love poem.


    UB