There are times that one feels one’s age … when something
that seemed trivial years ago are much more significant now.
The changing of the years is apparent when going over a new
book ahead of an interview that we aired during the radio program today. The book
is called “Love Poems (for Married People).”
In reviewing the book by essayist John Kenney, which
publisher GP Putnam’s Sons (a division of Penguin/Random House) says is “a compilation
of his hilarious, satirical poems … full of Kenney’s signature dry humor and a
heavy dose of reality,” it was indeed amusing. One can relate with many of the
entries that Kenney said are not autobiographical but come from what others
have told him of their experiences in married life.
However, there are a couple of things in the book that were
a little disturbing now that probably weren’t when seen through younger eyes.
One is language. Cussing and swearing may be cool when one is younger, but as
the years go by, there are better ways to express such sentiments … ways that
focus more on what is being conveyed than on the words that convey it. It
carries much more impact that way.
I was going to give the review copy of this
book to my wife as a Valentine’s Day gift, but I’m not comfortable with the
language used in it and I believe that she will also be uncomfortable with it,
so I will not do this.
The other is how one sees a long-term relationship. It’s
funny to laugh at some of the “witty, relatable poems” that Kenney has penned,
but it also highlights how one can take the other significant one for granted.
When seeing the other person as someone special, and keeping that view fresh
and alive, those “witty, relatable” topics sort of fade into some irrelevance.
“Love Poems (for Married People)” isn’t bad for some of you,
but it’s not this person’s “cup of tea.” I guess it’s just a matter of age …
and perhaps maturity.
Thanks!
