Aspects of Love

The poems in this book were written at various times in my life about the people and subjects I love, especially my beloved Sylvan, my husband for over 53 years. Scattered throughout the book are poems about different aspects of my love, including family, friends, nature, young love, mature and senior love, and concern for our world.

When I was a young teenager, I was inspired by Victor Herbert, a famous composer who lived from 1859 to 1924, who wrote, among many other great songs, "Ah, Sweet Mystery of Life". It began with "Ah, sweet mystery of life at last I've found thee. Ah, at last I know the secret of it all." Being curious to know the secret, I found it in the song's last line, "For it is love alone that rules for aye." Incidentally, that song was sung at my wedding. Its sentiment is one I've believed in through the years. "Love" is what our world needs, and I do whatever I can to spread it around. My hope is that those who read this book will alert themselves and others to the importance of love and, by doing so, make out world a happier, more peaceful place in which to live.

With divorce so prevalent today, marriage has almost become a temporary state. It behooves young and older people to choose their mate wisely, only after knowing him or her very well. After marriage, they must take their vows seriously by pouring their heart and soul into achieving a happy, lasting marriage marked by affection, sharing, cooperation, and compromise. Ideally, one should treat one's mate as one would treat oneself. Perhaps, some of my poems will encourage long- lasting marriages. I hope that aim will be achieved. Love yourself, others as well, and the world around us. If so, all of us will savor the fruit of happiness.

All proceeds from the sale of this book will go to the National Parkinson’s Foundation, Inc.

I, unlike many others, was raised by two loving parents. I had a very happy childhood. I began writing romantic poems when I entered Brooklyn College at age sixteen. This was a time when boys were scarce, due to World War 2 but I managed to find a few casual dates and poeticized about those I really liked. I graduated from college at 22 with a B.A. {cum laude} and an M.A. in Early Childhood Education. I then began my career as a kindergarten teacher.

Shortly after that I met my husband-to-be at a Catskill Mountain resort. While dancing one night, and stepping on each other's feet, we discovered that we lived only two blocks from each other in Brooklyn. After three years of getting to know each other, we married in 1950. Three years later, we had our first child to be followed by two more by 1956. My heart was overflowing with love for my husband and three children and remains so to this day. My idyllic life was marred only by the accidental death of our younger son at the age of 24. My life was never the same after that. It was pervaded by an undercurrent of sadness.

I am a romantic by nature. I seldom miss an opportunity to bring two people together. I have succeeded with at least three couples all married over fifty years. To me, there's nothing more wonderful than a marriage that works.

My interest in nature and the environment persuaded me to join the Doylestown Nature Club of which I am a past-president and am now an active member. I live in a house below a canopy of magnificent trees. This setting has inspired me to write poems about nature.

For the past thirteen years, I have written poetry for the Central Bucks Senior Center where I've become their Poet Laureate. In the interim, I authored "Grandma's Treasures." a book of poetry, a tribute to grandmothers and their loved ones. The book sold out after two printings. My poems have appeared in many anthologies, magazines, newspapers, and newsletters. I have recently started my own company, "Poetry On Demand", to compose poems for people's special occasions.

Regrettably, my life has taken another downturn. My beloved husband suffers from Parkinson's Disease. Much of my time is now devoted to him and doing the jobs that used to be his, though he tries so hard to do whatever he can. Despite this our love flourishes and will always remain strong.

They say that one should write about what one knows best, so I have written a book of love poems which I hope you will enjoy.