The Heart-Shaped Room

Society's preconcieved notions of love are not for everyone. They may empower some couples, but for others they stifle romance. And then there are the couples where one member falls in each encampment...

I own a heart-shaped box.
It is small
  (as two clenched fists)
and plain, but holds
Pride
  (of place)
in my room.
Oh yes, she is proud
  (that it holds that space).

               ***

          Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?
            Thou art bolder, and more passionate.
          Shall I compare thee to our first summer's day?
            Thou art changed, and far gone a stranger.
          All thou hast left me are fossils
            Locked in a heart-shaped box.

               ***

For a dowry
  (is that not what is expected of you?)
you gave me a heart-shaped box.
In it, you bid me place
tokens of our love
  (is that not what is expected of me?).
Like tear-stained letter weights
they stop the box from blowing away.

               ***

          On the first day of Christmas
            My true love gave to me
              A partridge in a pear tree.
          On the second day of Christmas,
            I realised I didn't want a f*****g partridge
              Or a pear tree.

               ***

You know what they say:
"Old habits die hard"
  (you know what they all say now).
It's funny that you don't smoke anymore.
I could have sworn your cigarettes
locked me in a heart-shaped room
with walls of airy nothing.

Author's Note

Constructive critique is HIGHLY appreciated. Any sort of suggestion will be welcomed and taken into consideration, both with regards to this piece and future pieces.

Reviews

[Legion]

Pieces and fossilized fragments are often all we have left of a relationship and ourselves once it has surrendered to the inevitable. This was saddenly poetic. I really love the fourth stanza though. Could almost be comical if the whole piece wasn't so melancholy. Good write. Can't wait to read your "Theology" piece when I have more time later today. Looks very promising.

[Lady Insomnia]

It's sad, even more so that its true. Its simply beautiful.The slow death of romance. I look forward to reading more from you.

[vanishing]

I love the entire design of this piece.. sorry can't offer much in critique- as i believe the form
is artistically devised and captures the design of the imagery in old english style tone..
there are many classic aspects to ponder in light of the meaning... how the heartshaped box
represents what it is to be in love at the same time imprisoning the heart by the same feelings
of affection in which the love expresses itself.. you entwine modern and vera in ways that
captivate the passion, in a downward spiraling effect, as to end in a broken heart.. beautiful