To My Dream Exhibit – A Sonnet to Celebrate Valentine’s Day
To My Dream Exhibit – A Sonnet to Celebrate Valentine’s Day
February 14, 2019 by Taylor Studios
Valentine’s Day has got to be one
of the strangest holidays ever. From its dark origins in Roman history to modern
day celebrations, it has come a long way. Most people associate this day of
romance with Saint Valentine, who was martyred for marrying Christian couples
in the 3rd century. While it feels like a bit of a stretch to
associate this selfless act with the modern-day concept of gifting material
goods on Valentine’s Day, you have to admit that is pretty romantic.
In fact, we possibly have Geoffrey
Chaucer to thank for Valentine’s Day as we know it. He wrote about it in his
poem the Parliament of Fowls in the
14th century.
He referenced Valentine’s Day as a special day for lovers, and Chaucer was a
popular writer during the literary period of Courtly Love. Because of this, many
historians feel this helped cement the association with romance and Valentines
Day.
Also during this period of Courtly Love, the first Valentine was
written by Charles, Duke of Orleans in 1415. He wrote it for his wife while he
was imprisoned in the Tower of London (a pretty popular place at the time,
though most of the people there probably would not get a positive review).
A grand gesture, indeed, for someone looking at staying in prison for a very
long time.
In the spirit of grand gestures, Taylor Studios bringeth forth a sonnet to celebrate the love for, not a human, but an exhibit. If you were to imagine the most glorious exhibit—the exhibit of your dreams—what would it contain? Multi-sensory components designed to not only produce joy, but to teach as well? Eye-catching interactives that stir the innermost feelings in your heart? We all have our favorite exhibits, especially those that inspire us and celebrate people of all backgrounds and abilities. So, without further ado, a sonnet that William Shakespeare would appreciate.
One day, I know that it will come along:
The exhibit I have been dreaming of!
Such beauty, I know, has never been drawn;
And full of interactives that I love,
I’ll gaze upon these wondrous things
That engage every sense and make you think,
And include all kinds of human beings
That through this exhibit creates a link.
Plus, it will be accessible to all
Available, no matter what the case—
And provide to those both big and small
An experience that no one can replace.
And while I know it does not exist yet,
My dream will come true very soon, I bet!
Kelly
Sundberg Seaman, “Happy Valentine’s Day? Thanks, Chaucer,” Dartmouth College,
February 13, 2014, .
“Vintage
Valentines,”Phillips Library Digital Collection,