Valentines

For Valentine's Day 1986, Ted Kooser wrote "Pocket Poem" and sent the tender, thoughtful composition to fifty women friends, starting an annual tradition that would persist for the next twenty-one years. Printed on postcards, the poems were mailed to a list of recipients that eventually grew to more than 2,500 women all over the United States. Valentines collects Kooser's twenty-two years of Valentine's Day poems, complemented with illustrations by Robert Hanna and a new poem appearing for the first time. Kooser's valentine poems encompass all the facets of the holiday: the traditional hearts and candy, the brilliance and purity of love, the quiet beauty of friendship, and the bittersweetness of longing. Some of the poems use the word valentine , others do not, but there is never any doubt as to the purpose of Kooser's creations. For Valentine's Day 1986, Ted Kooser Wrote Pocket Poem And Sent The Tender, Thoughtful Composition To Fifty Women Friends, Starting An Annual Tradition That Would Persist For The Next Twenty-one Years. Printed On Postcards, The Poems Were Mailed To A List Of Recipients That Eventually Grew To More Than 2,500 Women All Over The United States. Valentines Collects Kooser's Twenty-two Years Of Valentine's Day Poems. Complemented With Illustrations By Robert Hanna And A New Poem Appearing For The First Time.--jacket. Pocket Poem -- A Perfect Heart -- Chocolate Checkers -- A Heart Of Gold -- Home Storage Barns -- Barn Owl -- Song Of The Ironing Board -- On A Light Late-winter Wind -- The Celery Heart -- For You, Friend -- In The Alley -- Tracks -- The Bluet -- If You Feel Sorry -- A Map Of The World -- Inventory -- Skater -- Screech Owl -- Splitting An Order -- A New Potato -- Oh, Mariachi Me -- This Paper Boat -- The Hog-nosed Snake. Ted Kooser ; With A New Introduction By The Poet ; Illustrated By Robert Hanna. A collection of poems, which encompass the facets of Valentine's day: the traditional hearts and candy, the brilliance and purity of love, the quiet beauty of friendship, and the bittersweetness of longing.