'Substitute', a poem by Jane Yolen

I'm very excited to feature a poem by Jane Yolen today, as we get closer to the official publication date for The Scarlet Circus, a collection of fairy tales and poems by Yolen herself, all dedicated to love. 

The Scarlet Circus, the fourth volume in Yolen’s award-winning short fiction series brings you passionate treasures and unexpected transformations. This bewitching assemblage, with an original introduction from Brandon Sanderson, is an ideal read for anyone who appreciates witty, compelling, and classic romantic fantasy.

A rakish fairy meets the real Juliet behind Shakespeare’s famous tragedy. A jewelry artist travels to the past to meet a successful silver-smith. The addled crew of a ship at sea discovers a mysterious merman. More than one ignored princess finds her match in the most unlikely men.

From ecstasy to tragedy, with love blossoming shyly, love at first sight, and even love borne of practical necessity—beloved fantasist Jane Yolen’s newest collection celebrates romance in all its glory.

I will let the poem speak for itself, but, if you'd like to read my own thoughts on it, maybe as a little desert, join me below!

Substitute

A story or poem

is not an exact substitute

for true love,

but sometimes,

when I was between husbands--

the dead one and the one who came next-

I found comfort in the words,

a romance of long standing,

the lift of the perfect line,

syllables of comfort,

that reminded me of hope.

        --JANE   YOLEN.  2022

 While the collection features an Introduction by Brandon Sanderson, Jane Yolen also briefly introduced her stories and poems in a foreword called 'A Little Bit of Loving'. In it she explains how for the longest time she didn't consider herself a writer of Romance, even though, as she admits, romance actually featured in many of her work already, allowing for this love collection. She sees how romance and love is a broad topic, a veritable massive spectrum upon which we all move in one way or another. And if, like me, true love isn't currently a thing in your life, then a story or a poem  makes a rather good substitute to all those feelings. 

I do hope you join me next week for my review of The Scarlet Circus and let yourself be seduced and charmed by Yolen's work!