One Perfect Rose and why I love it

Posted on by missprint

One Perfect Rose

A single flow’r he sent me, since we met.
All tenderly his messenger he chose;
Deep-hearted, pure, with scented dew still wet –
One perfect rose.

I knew the language of the floweret;
‘My fragile leaves,’ it said, ‘his heart enclose.’
Love long has taken for his amulet
One perfect rose.

Why is it no one ever sent me yet
One perfect limousine, do you suppose?
Ah no, it’s always just my luck to get
One perfect rose.

by Dorothy Parker
No one does wit quite like Dorothy Parker. While Resume is by far my favorite, this one is much more light-hearted. Just goes to show love (and gifts!) are all about perspective!

“Resume” and why I love it

Posted on by missprint

Résumé by Dorothy Parker

Razors pain you;
Rivers are damp;
Acids stain you;
And drugs cause cramp.
Guns aren’t lawful;
Nooses give;
Gas smells awful;
You might as well live.

You can read this poem on poemhunter.com

I really enjoy Dorothy Parker’s poems. Her poems always have a bit of humor to them and she is one of few writers whose humor is as offbeat as my own.

I like this poem for a few reasons. First: the title reveals nothing about the content. Second: the poem looks miserable and depressing and negative. Then you get to the last line. And while not ostensibly a resounding endorsement, it’s optimistic. I also like that it rhymes which belies the rather serious content.

Basically this poem reminds me that everyone has bad days. But there are also good days. And it’s worth the effort to wait and see what else comes along. And for an eight line poem that’s pretty deep.