A 10 (A TEN)

Are my chances high or nought? Let me know
Give me a chance and cross the nought; tic-tac-toe
Not shy to taste your lips in the open; alfresco
Because totty you’re a 10 like Francesco

I’ll let go of all others if you’re mine to hold
Take me off the market because I’m already sold
You won’t carry burdens, I’ll lighten the load
Darling, you’re A 10 like Great Cambridge Road

Go 10! You’re on another level like a Super Saiyan
Not rich but if you want attention, I’ll keep paying
My persistence is born out of will, like Jaden
I prayed to find a 10, now I can say Amen

K.G. says…

A paper-and-pencil children’s game. Outdoor eating. An Italian football [soccer] legend. A dual carriageway in North London. A character from a Japanese anime. Hollywood father and son. What do all these seemingly random things have in common?… Absolutely nothing.

However, I was in the mood for a bit of wordplay and popular culture references so they all came in handy. If Shakespeare (through Romeo) can compare Juliet to a summer’s day, then why not compare a fair maiden to a tarmac road in North London?!

Disclaimer for the PC brigade: I don’t actually believe that women’s appearance (or men’s for that matter) should be numerically rated. This is purely light-hearted, tongue-in-cheek flattery; and NOT intended to be misogynistic.

BEAUTIFUL IN ANY LANGUAGE

Her beauty is easily apparent through the eyes
Though it’s not the only way she can mesmerise
As gracious as she is gorgeous; pleasant surprise
Could compliment continuously and speak no lies
An alluring outer aura alongside a warm inner glow
Presence that raises smiles when spirits are low
A queen who oozes radiance from crown to toe
Beautiful in any language – nzuri, jamila, beau

Her glamour entices effortlessly, for it’s so natural
Entwined with a persona as pure as a rare mineral
Various virtues to offer beyond just the physical
Withholding appreciation for her would be criminal
Truly one of a kind; she embodies the old adage
Able to fill a hollow heart and tame a rogue savage
She inspires healing where there’s been damage
Aulelei, sundar, mooi – beautiful in any language

K.G. says…

Quite possibly my personal favourite of all the poems I’ve written. A lot of my readers also seem to like it. And to answer a question which has been asked of me several times… yes, it was inspired by someone that I know (or at least how I once saw that someone).

The piece is a tribute to an almost flawless figure; an appreciation of every aspect of her being. To that extent, the term “language” in this context doesn’t simply refer to spoken tongues. Rather, it encompasses everything that makes her [the subject] who she is – her outward appearance, character, values, influence on her environment, etc. Simply put, she possesses beauty in every way conceivable. ~~Now all I have to figure out is where/how to meet such a mythical individual for real!~~

SHEROES (THERE IS NO OTHER)

Mother, there is no other comparable
My very first heroine, so honourable
Sheltered me warmly at my most vulnerable
until I was strong enough to enter this world
Without your guidance I’d not have excelled
Gratitude for your sacrifices is forever held

Lover, there is no other in whom I’d confide
My fiercest heroine fighting by my side
During my darkest battles, you do not hide
Together, we’re ready to take on any test
Urging me to be better, you bring out my best
You could have given up but you do not rest

Daughter, there is no other to give my life for
My newest heroine, so sweet and pure
The hope you’ve given leaves me in awe
Weight of the world, I’ll shoulder the pressure
to see you shine bright like precious treasure
My love for you is infinite without measure

K.G. says…

To clarify, I don’t have a daughter [any offspring in general] or indeed a lover [*sad face*] at the time of posting this. However I wanted to write something in celebration of women and girls. With all the focus (and rightly so) on harassment and gender inequality in the last few years, I opted for an appreciative approach. Without women, “there is no other” to make life complete. [See what I did there?]

Now, ~~before the PC brigade challenges me to a duel,~~ I am fully aware that the roles females in society are not limited to those aforementioned. Women have been, should be, and are empowered to do anything that they want to. The poem is merely from my sole perspective on who I believe are/will be the three most important women in my own life, on a personal relationship level.