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Still Starts When It's Cold

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Still Starts When It's Cold

Daniel Henry Rodgers

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she walks into the room the same way she has for 40 years— half-asleep mumbling about the price of eggs but crap, she still makes my heart stop. you’re the last busted payphone that somehow still dials home. you’re the only damn thing that still makes sense in a world full of unpaid bills and broken air conditioners. your heart’s a busted radiator still kicking out heat when I need it most. The cigarette burn on our old kitchen counter— scarred in, not going anywhere. hell, you’re a rusted-out truck that still starts when the whole damn world’s frozen over. we aren’t perfect but we lasted. and that’s better than any damn valentine poem.

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Jim Slaughter

Date: 2/25/2025 10:31:00 AM

I think I can really relate to this, Daniel...especially the last four lines.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/26/2025 5:09:00 AM

Hello Jim, Thank you for stopping by and leaving your note. I certainly wanted to show the reality of what love can be and not just the traditional thoughts. Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Karen Jones

Date: 2/25/2025 7:28:00 AM

Wow this is raw and wonderful in its honesty! Love it and the photo!

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/25/2025 8:09:00 AM

Dear Karen, Thank you so much for your wonderful comments. I had a lot of fun writing this and also wanted to show that Love can be very raw and perceivably nonromantic but the reality of that love exists in this format. Not always clean and smooth. Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Duke Beaufort

Date: 2/15/2025 12:46:00 PM

Daniel, this makes me laugh and smile. Getting through life and enjoying it are sure worthwhile! The tone you supply in this poem brings this home. Nothing fancy needed!!

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/16/2025 7:13:00 AM

Hello Duke, this was a fun write and had to take pages out of my childhood to come up with it. Always a Pleasure! Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Andrew John

Date: 2/12/2025 3:59:00 PM

Love it. Has interesting thoughts. And I remember cigarette burns, from old days. Not mine, I am glad to say.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/13/2025 9:42:00 AM

Hello Andrew, I very much appreciate your thoughts. I was not a smoker, nor is my wife one, but my dad was, and mom was for a while but quit early on. This poem came out of my farm-born days and neighbors who were like this. Happy Valentine's Day, My Friend, Daniel

Evelyn Judy Buehler

Date: 2/12/2025 3:37:00 PM

Daniel, this is a touching valentine, expressing such love and affection. The picture is wonderful, too. Best wishes.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/13/2025 9:39:00 AM

Dear Evelyn, thank you so much and I am very grateful for your comments. Happy Valentines Day, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Valsa George

Date: 2/12/2025 4:43:00 AM

"but crap, she still makes my heart stop." "your heart’s a busted radiator still kicking out heat when I need it most." When these words escape from the mouth of a 'ruffian of a husband 'who doesn't know how to embellish his words in romantic tones, what do these words denote, other than his deep love for his 'rusted contraption' that worked so efficiently for him all these years. Both of them know that more than roses or Valentine cards, such rough words are dear to each other's hearts. Though unpolished, these words carry the weight of love, like the worth of uncut diamonds. Dear Daniel, you have a wide insight into human nature and can switch your style to any way you prefer. Excellent.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/12/2025 5:07:00 AM

Dear Valsa, wow, your take on those lines just hit me right in the chest. You’ve captured the essence of raw, imperfect love exactly the kind I was hoping to convey. Your words always make me think, and I’m so lucky to have a friend who understands the layers beneath. Thank you for always for your kind encouragement. You’re a gem, truly. Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

I Am Anaya

Date: 2/11/2025 3:52:00 PM

Daniel, this brought a tear on, it's just perfect for anyone who understands, that it's the thought that counts. For survival of the fittest loves, you have it down. A Genuine Gem! Love to fave for keeps sake. The best card image as well. Keep warm poet ~Anaya

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/12/2025 5:03:00 AM

Dear Anaya, How great it was to read your words this morning. It certainly warms my heart more than I can express. I’m also glad the poem touched your emotions in such a meaningful way. Thank you for your kind support and for faving it! Wishing you warmth and inspiration always. Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Sam Kauffman

Date: 2/11/2025 11:33:00 AM

Dear Daniel, well, my friend, your versatility and mastery of language is on full display in this Valentine! I love your images of broken things (air conditioners, busted trucks, cellphones) that still work because of love AND commitment and the deeper view of our imperfect humanity influenced by the grace of a perfect love! So original and full of impact! Thank you for these uniquely crafted words and verses. Happy Valentine's Day to you! Blessings, dear friend.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/12/2025 5:01:00 AM

Dear Sam, O' how your words touch me deeply and thank you for seeing the heart of the poem and the layers beneath. I’m so glad you enjoyed it with you. I truly appreciate your insight and kindness. Wishing you a blessed Valentine’s Day as well, my friend! Winter Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Sara Kendrick

Date: 2/11/2025 7:33:00 AM

Creative one for sure in a Redecker kind of way. Thanks for sharing this unique Valentine with us. Sara K

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/12/2025 4:58:00 AM

Dear Sara, LOL! You and I and a handful of others know what a Rednecker is. I am grateful for your note and friendship. Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

John Read

Date: 2/11/2025 7:28:00 AM

Hi Daniel, that's the best valentine's poem I've ever read, so full of love and honesty.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/12/2025 4:57:00 AM

Hello John, What a great honor to read you note. Thank You! Winter Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Hilda Greenhough

Date: 2/11/2025 1:57:00 AM

This is a wonderful roundabout way to write a Valentine poem. You sound very happy. I love the sentiment.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/11/2025 5:17:00 AM

Dear Hilda, I loved reading your comment this morning and am so thankful. Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Ink Empress

Date: 2/11/2025 12:19:00 AM

Dear daniel, this is one of those poems written by your versatile quill, that proves you can write in any way and form and also sound very simple too. I would like to do that write a very simple poem that means alot and emanates so much depth! A very fitting poem for valentines day too. And i loved how you mentioned about prices of eggs as it seems to be a struggle many can resonate with. The flow and th ending of this poem is brilliant and despite all the difficulties how a relationship survive is what i thought of . Seamless poem! A fave it is! Sending you light always.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/11/2025 5:16:00 AM

Dear Empress, I am so grateful for your comments. When I started out writing poems 50 years ago, the words were more simple, and as time marched on, I felt there was so much to say in so many ways. I think as a counselor I found that some people really relate to the simple, grittier answers and thoughts and others to the deep philosophical and psychological insights. The great joy of being a poet is that you can write from the heart using a plethora of ideas, thoughts, and techniques that include the most basic and/or the most complex. Always appreciative! Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

CayCay Jennings

Date: 2/10/2025 7:02:00 PM

I like your unique write very much and relate to it. Your delivery and word choices struck me in ways that captured my interest and emotions. Its bone-bare honesty is touching ... CayCay

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/11/2025 5:11:00 AM

Dear CayCay, Thank you so much. Sometimes my past comes forward and I think about the people from the farmlands I grew up on. It was so much simpler, yet grittier then, and deserves a simpler grittier poem. Thanks again! Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Terrell Martin

Date: 2/10/2025 3:48:00 PM

Hi Daniel, I wish I had written this poem! It may be the most honest, sincerely written from the heart Valentine poem I've ever read. And if I read it on a Valentine'd Day greeting card, I'd buy it without hesitation. Kudos my friend.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/10/2025 4:13:00 PM

Hello Terrell, one of the greatest compliments that I could have gotten. Thank You! Winter Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Darlene De Beaulieu

Date: 2/10/2025 3:34:00 PM

Hello Daniel Henry Rodgers, you have your soulmate. blessings my friend. /Darlene/

Darlene De Beaulieu
Date: 2/11/2025 4:47:00 PM

Hello Daniel, Your welcome my friend. Winter blessings my dear friend. /Darlene/

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/10/2025 4:12:00 PM

Dear Darlene, Thank you for your most gracious comments. Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 2/10/2025 3:14:00 PM

Love love love this. A fave

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/10/2025 4:11:00 PM

Dear Andrea, you made my day with your words. Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Jay Narain

Date: 2/10/2025 11:12:00 AM

I love the whole poem. It is better than a Valentine's roses gift poem.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/10/2025 11:57:00 AM

Hello Jay, Thank you so much and I am very grateful for your kind words. Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Lin Lane

Date: 2/10/2025 4:26:00 AM

Daniel, some men write elegant poetry. Some offer flowery words, or roses, chocolates or jewelry. But a man whose vocabulary is as limited as his bank account is not bound by his lack of those things to tell his Valentine how much he loves her. He may be a rough and tumble guy, but the words he used to express that love would bring me to tears, too. He can call me rusted and busted... terms of endearment, his style. And then I'd show him how much his words meant to me. How could anyone misinterpret your poem? LOVE the pic.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/10/2025 6:11:00 AM

Dear Lin, I love that you truly understood the depth of my poem. It’s fascinating how the way people express love can be so different, shaped by the environments we grew up in. I was raised on the farmlands of Gettysburg, where life was rustic and tough. I knew a couple—actually, probably several, who fit this exact narrative. There weren’t grand gestures or even greeting cards, yet I never doubted their love for each other. I’ll never forget one older man I knew who gave his wife a check for Christmas simply because he hated shopping. She was disappointed, especially since she earned more than he did, but there was no question that she loved him deeply. Love has its own language, even when it doesn’t look the way we expect. Thank you for being such a special friend and fellow poet. WWinter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Victor Buhagiar

Date: 2/10/2025 3:39:00 AM

With all those eggs which I hate, can see the funny side of life.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/10/2025 6:06:00 AM

Dear Victor, one of the things that people are complaining about here in the USA is the price of eggs and I had to latch onto that. Growing up in the farmlands I knew several people that they would actually be the type of relationships they have. Thanks for visiting!! Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Paul Bell

Date: 2/10/2025 2:35:00 AM

But she'll still want a card just to remind you she's still there bitching about life in general. I'm sure she can still climb that ladder and clean the gutters if you asked her nicely. Maybe reign back on the gutters, just mentioned it to the trouble and strife, and now her eyes are rolling in a malevolent way.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/10/2025 6:04:00 AM

Hello Paul, LOL! You easily see the point and having grown up knowing older couples who express their love in these types of sentiments is worthy of a poem that shows they are truly in love! Thank you for you comments! Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Joe Maverick

Date: 2/10/2025 12:00:00 AM

Hmm.? You connect with this viceral love write Daniel..All respect.' Btw did you find time to Read the write?? My intention is to give those Injured by lifes nastier trials, a chance to fight Back.' To achive victory..And be no longer victim But a true survivour.' To announce we have sized Up the challenge, and are moving past the past There is a new dawn.' And beautiful times to Create.' May Gods blessings be with you.!

Joe Maverick
Date: 2/10/2025 10:10:00 AM

I got your welcone sm Daniel..In it It seemed, that you thought? I had only recently written that piece as you put 'if you post it' i am sure..Anyway it Was posted years ago just to be clear.' All blessings in Jesus.'

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/10/2025 6:02:00 AM

Hello Joe, nice to read your comments this morning. I actually did read your SM and responded, did you not get it? I agree with you that there should no longer be victims and they do need to achieve victory. Winter Blessings, My Friend Daniel

Susan Ashley

Date: 2/9/2025 6:21:00 PM

Dear Daniel, I adore the rustic language of your rough hewn romantic imagery. I especially enjoyed “your heart’s a busted radiator/still kicking out heat when I need it most” - now that’s true blue love! Like a Ford pickup, they were built to last. Wonderfully expressive poetry my inspiring poet friend. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/10/2025 5:59:00 AM

Dear Susan, Thank you and I am grateful for your insights. Growing up in the farmlands of Pennsylvania, there is a whole rustic world that lays hidden to the outsider. They do have a different way of expressing true love. Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

David Fisher

Date: 2/9/2025 5:00:00 PM

Wonderful contrasting lines that seem to come from a place inside that we all have. Also interesting to see another point of view from one of your poems. Enjoyed your write, Daniel!

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/10/2025 5:56:00 AM

Hello David, thank you and very appreciative. This is a contrasting style to some of my other poems. My wife would say that I am a chameleon that can move from genre to genre or to easily fit in wherever we are. I loved writing this particular poem and my muse hit me at the right time. Winter Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Tom Woody

Date: 2/9/2025 4:46:00 PM

I have to disagree with Paige, ie, it's anti-romance, but that's the point I think. No flowery, mushy words. And only a woman who really loves you would let you get away with calling her a rusty old truck without whapping you upside the head with a roller pin ;)

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/10/2025 5:53:00 AM

Hello Tom, LOL!! As I noted to Paige below that in my life I grew up out in the farm lands of Gettysburg, and there was a couple that I truly had in mind that fit this narrative so well. I always knew they loved each other but they had what some would say was a gritty relationship. Thank you for your comments! Winter Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Yann Rolland

Date: 2/9/2025 4:46:00 PM

sure this is really good, poem so touching essential like a movie scenery, thanks poet

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/10/2025 5:50:00 AM

Hello Yann, Yes, it is like a scene out of a movie. Thank you so much for your visit and wonderful comment. Winter Blessings, My Friend, Daniel