More than a catbird hates a cat,
Or a criminal hates a clue,
Or the Axis hates the United States,
That’s how much I love you.

I love you more than a duck can swim,
And more than a grapefruit squirts,
I love you more than a gin rummy is a bore,
And more than a toothache hurts.

As a shipwrecked sailor hates the sea,
Or a juggler hates a shove,
As a hostess detests unexpected guests,
That’s how much you I love.

I love you more than a wasp can sting,
And more than the subway jerks,
I love you as much as a beggar needs a crutch,
And more than a hangnail irks.

I swear to you by the stars above,
And below, if such there be,
As the High Court loathes perjurious oathes,
That’s how you’re love by me.

Analysis, meaning and summary of Ogden Nash's poem To My Valentine

3 Comments

  1. Janet Johnston says:

    *Please send me some idea or poems on this subject. I
    can’t believe that little bundle of sunshine has tuened against me-HATES ME!!-Until ariund 10 years old she & I were great. Then Daddy hates Mom (me)undermines my authority and when we finally divorce -she lives with me until the ripe old age of 13 and lives with her father- she is going to a counselor and her father is suppose to promote our relationship- but, she hates me, every sesssion that is what she says, Therefore she doesn’t want me at her sessions. Poems, suggestion, books I need help. My heart can not be any more broken! 🙁 thanks

  2. Tyler says:

    hi what you doing me nothing just chill in class
    tyring to get with you for the night

  3. Lacy marsh says:

    well hey my name is lacy and i am 14 years old and that was a very good poem. I would love to know whin
    you finish it was a very nice poem. p.s.

    write back

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