Marcus Aurelius’ Valentine/‘Funny Valentine’ M.D.

Love was not invented in my day
There were so many words for this
None took it quite as seriously

Instead we searched The Truth
Our Ethical Symposiums
Accompanied by many
Modicums of aged Caecuban wine
Often ended in debauchery

I marvel now most modern men
Seem to love themselves above all else
And yet
They place less value on their own esteem
Than that conferred by others

So make themselves as slaves
To any passing Trickster-of-the-Arts
Soothsaying mind-mechanic
Or ambitious Political pest

I have the Antidote   –
For this planet in negative equity
In a world of change and chance
The meaning of ‘true love’ is ‘food for all’
And we must learn to nurture one another

‘FUNNY VALENTINE’ M.D.

I thought I heard
Miles Davis say

‘Let white folk
Take
The Blues

We sure had ‘em
Long enough’

Bernard Saint
Illustration: Claire Palmer

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