When I fell in love with you, it was wholeheartedly –
There is no other way to love, or so it seems to me.
It wouldn’t be a “whole” – more of a “hole” – if we should part,
So darling, never leave me – what good is half a heart?
I would be half a person if you were not at my side.
My room is half-deserted with only me inside.
A meal is half-desserted with only half an apple tart.
Without you there'd be hunger - what good is half a heart?
Half a loaf is better - so they tell me - than no bread.
But what's the difference between half-living and half-dead?
I'd find out, dear, believe me, if we ever had to part;
No sweetness - only sorrow! - what good is half a heart?
You can’t begin to build a house with a solitary half-brick.
You can do nothing with a mouse by giving half a click.
What good is “Ready, steady” without “Go!” to make us start?
What good is half a partnership? What good is half a heart?
Don’t want to be half-naked, only wearing half a ring,
Don’t want half of nothing, what I need is everything.
Half-measure does not fill me – where is the missing part?
Agree, my love – give me your all! What good is half a heart?
[c] 2005
Author notes
Written February 4th, 2006
In a list
What did you think
Comments
1 - 21 of 21
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This is lovely! I love the title, and the fact that you chose it as the title. The repetition is glorious! I love the playful play on words.
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One of my very early poems, and the first one I ever had published. Glad you liked it.
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Very playful and humorous and a delight to read.
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Och, this load of old rubbish!
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very nice i swear u made me feel how bad loosing a lover
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Thank you.
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beautiful
I was told if I came, I would like..I came and my bro. was right, I like! excellent piece of writing.
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Thank you very much. It's really one from my dust-covered vault, written quite some time ago.
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This was such an incredible writing that I had to read it twice today; I read it first only half--the-way (just kidding). Your skill is magnificent, a thing I'm certain you've had heard before. This was definately my fav line, "Half a loaf is better - so they tell me - than no bread.
But what's the difference between half-living and half-dead?" I only laughed 1/2 way in this and so I guess that was the point. But I'll read it one more time, to loosen up my 'reading joints'). Thanks for posting this.
AsIThink...
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You found one of my older poems. I think it was the first one I ever got published. Thank you for unearthing it, and for the nice comment.
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You're very welcomed. Yes, I saw at least one of your earlier comments (below) referencing this as your first published piece. I really enjoyed it a lot.
AsIThink...
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Mairi
I thought this was sounding a bit Victorian when you clicked the mouse!LOL
This is delightfully fresh, youthful.
They say if you love deeply, you can be hurt deeply.
Love deeply anyway!
I don't know why this is categorized in the Laugh List?
This is a great love poem, if you ask me!
John
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I think it is in that list firstly because it is wryly humorous, using humorous devices. Secondly I guess because sometimes I don't take myself seriously.
I think this was the first poem I ever had published. It was in a wee British magazine called "Quantum Leap" I think.
Thank you for your appreciation.
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How kind of you, Melodies. Yes by all means use it.
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Honestly, 'tis true
This love poem wants to come with me to Poetry Planet. The people in the great Western Empire are so yearning for a sweet word or two that this will cause all to stand up, straighten their shoulders, smile, and set off to right the wrongs of their lives and give out some affection. I do like this poem so much, for it is sweet and good like the dear poetess who wrote it. 
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Well thanks for the compliments, Toots. (Jings! This PC is so slow, I am about three comments behind you!) I have always been of the opinion that if one can do both then that is real poetry. Rhyme and meter for its own sake can be deathly boring, and colourful language on its own can be self-indulgent. (can be not necessarily is always.)
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In a way, I am eavesdropping, but...what you said to Jilli - about the lack of technical power - I understand that well. I have never been a big fan of poetry with form; yet, I find that I am very attracted to yours. Perhaps it is this: you have a true talent for incorporating the original thought and colorful language that is so often associated with free form (and even the AP genre "weird"), but not with most poetry that is written in specific meter. I like this piece very much. Thank you for sharing it with us.
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I use form, Jilli, ever since I tried writing free verse years ago. A publisher wrote back and told me I "lacked technical power". Form lends discipline and coherence (and cohesion?) to a poem. It shows a reader that one has taken pains. And it concentrates the mind of the poet. Just my way.
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Excellent
Indeed my friend...love the way you used similar words. Were you counting? I wouldnt change a thing - I like it just as it is. Just curious as your writing is almost always follows some form. -
I am sorry I gave you only half a click *grins*. Glad you liked it. When I was writing it, I "heard" the voice of Roger McGough reading it aloud. It has that kind of feel to it. I think it is the only poem of this type that I have ever written.
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This is a nice write. I really liked the way that you worded this. I also like how you ended each stanza with "What good is half a heart?" Excellent write.
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