The way your hair falls in your eyes prompts me to help you. In your presence, I become a masochistic EE Cummings, inventing new words to describe my disgraceful perfidy."

Of course, each of the examples of poetry and metaphor I have given is a bit quirky. What if you really want to get lyrical - to sing someone's praises with words that sing? It can be done. Just look for ways to make it new.

The following is a short poem that, though it has a traditional ABCB rhyme structure, has a few interesting images. It is both lyrical and fun because in this ode to my significant other I embrace a bit of stylish hyperbole and the lilting rhythm of a children's poem such as Edward Lear's "The Owl and the Pussicat" :

Ceremony

I kissed you behind the dovecote
to the sound of cooing doves.
You said, "My dear, what better place
to confess undying love?"

I married you near the beehive,
to the hum of that droning choir.
We toasted with their nectar,
then threw our mugs on the fire.

We made love by the plashing pond-
that vat of wriggling fish.
You planted a seed within me,
then said, "Darling, make a wish."

So, you've got someone you love. It's your right, as a lover and as a writer, to celebrate your feelings - and the sweet superiority that is making you swoon - in a love poem. Put on your metaphorical ice skates and trace a figure eight of love on the surface of the pond. Just try to stay away from the thin ice of cliche.

Ready, set, worship!

Learn more about this author, Sarah Torribio.
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