Shanghai 30s Valentines Day Competition

Come sail away with me,
on the river not the sea.
Just the two of us,
just nature no fuss.
To look at the fullness of your soul in the bright light of the moon.
To hold you close to my hips,
Hips to hips,
lips to lips.
We kiss,
we miss,
the constraints of time as we savour the devine.
For a magic moment we are one,
for a magic moment the vale undone.
We see the beauty in it all and rejoice with thoughts of
more love in stall.

Anonymouse (Unverified), 09/02/07

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YOU COLOUR MY LIFE

Blue for your eye, and the sea, and the sky.
Red for your music, that makes my heart cry.

Mauve for the thoughts that are grave and deep,
Soft lilac the memories we wish to keep.

Green for the leaves that come again in spring,
Rose for your company, that makes my heart sing.

Orange for the leaves that shine when autumn sings its song
And grey is for my sorrow at the thought you might be gone.

Soft white is for the tears I'll shed,
If I no longer lay my head
Beside you in the dark of night,
And sleep in peace till morning light.

Eloise (DI User), 08/02/07

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Winning Poem:
She has a top-class language degree
I merely left school with one CSE
What can it be that she sees in me?

I have 3 children and one ex-wife
She has been single for most of her life
Why does she tolerate all this strife?

She lives in France in her mountain-top gîte
My divorced dad’s pad is somewhat petite
For this all to work would be quite a feat.

I’m a bit out of shape and not very fit
She’s rather slender and sporty with it
I’m glad it was me she decided to pick

But despite all this, she loves me so
I love her truly I want her to know
Neither of us quite can explain why
Maybe the answer’s to be found at Shanghai…

crispy (Unverified), 07/02/07

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Mon Coeur,

I’ve always thought I knew what love was about until I saw you.
I know now I never knew love before I met you.
These are the words I already told you.
Our love is not written with a little l
Our love is forever written with a capital L:
Léowenn, our son, our love, our gift.
I will never thank you enough for this precious gift.
Six months full of joy and tears,
Six months without a moment of our own.
It is time now.
Close your eyes.
Let me take you where you’ve never been before.
Just murmur our magic word: JTM

Ton Ange (DI User), 07/02/07

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SONNET I

My husband’s legs are nothing more than sticks;
Coral is far less red than his spots’ red:
If night be day, why then the light plays tricks,
If hairs be grass, bare lawn’s upon his head.
I have seen handsome Greek gods, tall and lean;
Whilst he, a northern sprite, wants height (and chin).
As in far worlds others pronounce and preen,
His skimming wit refines to piercing pin.
I love to hear him sing yet then do fear
That those far less in love should think him pained.
I grant I saw no man so quickly vexed;
My husband, when he rants, be ne’er contained.
And yet, I swear, he is beyond merit:
Mine own true love, my small furry ferret.

(With acknowledgements to Shakespeare Sonnet CXXX)

Mrs Ferret (Unverified), 06/02/07

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Dinner Date

Pardon me, but could we meet
Over something delicious to eat ?

Please, please allow me to try
At a restaurant I know called ‘Shanghai’.

We’ll learn about me and you
As we enjoy its mouth-watering menu.

And it certainly won’t be a waste,
If we find we suit each other’s taste.

In fact, when I saw how you looked,
Straightaway I booked.

I hope you don’t think that a trifle pert,
But they also serve a divine desert.

Above all, I would feel such a winner,
If you honoured me for Valentine’s dinner.

Romeo (Unverified), 06/02/07

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V he's my only secret vice
A he ALWAYS takes my advice
L his luciousiousness leaves me searing
E he's just so very endearing
N he's just so naturally nice
T he stops my heart in a trice
I he's intriguing and I can't get enough
N he's naughty.....really HOT stuff
E he's so edible.....know what I mean?
.....so send us for dinner and I'll lick the "plate" clean!

Saucy Sue (Unverified), 06/02/07

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Your Return

Love is a quality magnified by absence.
Without its presence, it becomes all consuming.
The tender tenacity of emotion heightened
By the anticipation
Of your return.

When you are gone, my love is a hole.
It becomes deeper, wider, darker.
The more I take away, the bigger it grows.
Only to be filled
By your return.

When you are here, I am calm and quiet.
The part of myself that you took with you,
Has been brought back, and it has grown.
I return to myself
With your return.

GeeJayGee (Unverified), 06/02/07

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One and Only Valentine

I love you more
Than when Oxford United score.

I love you better
Than a tax rebate letter.

I love you beyond
Any brunette, redhead or blonde.

I love you greater
Than a diamond excavator.

I love you, no matter,
Whether you get thinner or fatter.

I love you such a lot
Because you're everything I've got.

And, so, I love you all the time,
My one and only Valentine.

You Know Who (Unverified), 05/02/07

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With 84,600 seconds in a day I'd spend each one with you,
But on 14th Feb I may waste 10,800 just cooking you up a stew.
That seems unjust when at Shanghai 30s I'd have 17,625 to lose myself in your eyes,
And 3,600 for a post-nosh walk through dreaming spires and under starry skies.
I'd kiss your sweet lips for a whole 180 and squeeze your sexy bottom,
Cos the total love-filled 77 million, 197,500 we've had together can never be forgotten!

Jono (Unverified), 05/02/07

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Why did you choose, that day,
To smile at me?

I glimpsed time,
As though already there, I saw it,
There in your eyes,

Close, entwined, whispering to you,
My daydream in a moment,

Now it’s real, surreal,
And I love you.

Pickle (Unverified), 04/02/07

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I live to see you smile
I live to hear your laugh
I live to just be near you
And that's enough for me

I love to feel your warmth
Your gentle hand upon my knee
I'm alive when in your presence
Do you know just what you mean to me?

I no longer live in the past
And the future worries me no more
I exist just in this moment
And that's the way that life should be.

CAB (Unverified), 03/02/07

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I was just a boy of eleven,
being with you was just like heaven,
your pretty, shiny, brown hair,
That I just wanted to love and care.

sealy101 (Unverified), 03/02/07

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Heart Shanghai

Its a little hard to explain
Especially to those bound by a brain.

Much like the rest,
I always thought I knew best.

In fact, almost in every way,
I thought I was in command night and day.

And, then, you came along,
Beguiling as Spring bird song.

My joy was in short supply,
Until restored by your heart Shanghai.

You found my Achilles heel,
Taught me once more to feel.

Now I'm as different as can be,
For you offered the world of love to me.

H.H. (Unverified), 03/02/07

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My Oxford Valentine

Your Beauty deserves an Oscar,
Ousts the best Oxford can offer.
Your eyes glisten like the stars,
Brighter than Cowley's newest cars.
Your lips are so very, very red
They truly stand out on your head.
Your body's a shimmering stage,
I'd rather explore than any college.
Your thoughts are so high and fine
They outshine one-track Valentine.
You're a lady of which I'll never tire
Like a postcard of an Oxford spire.
You're the only one suitable for me
Like sausage and mash in harmony.

Bill Wavelance (Unverified), 02/02/07

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Darling, Can you believe it! We have been together over 35 years and each year our love grows. However, I don't feel old. Rather I still feel like a young bride with you!
How thankful I am for your patience, tender care and love you have showered me with these many years. Yes, we have been through some rough times, and how I shudder as I think how close we came to throwing it all away.
Now, we can rejoice in our love for one another that has been renewed and refreshed over the years and I pray that our marriage can be an example to young couples and encourage them to never, never, never give up on their love for one another. I love you!

Nonnie (Unverified), 01/02/07

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I was just a girl of sweet sixteen,
Yours the bluest eyes I had ever seen,
Our eyes met and you made me melt,
Flutters in my tummy like I'd never felt.

Our first date came and you held my hand,
Such a beautiful day for me you had planned,
A stroll by the river- the sky so blue,
I knew from that moment that I loved you.

Soulmates together from that day,
Four beautiful babies along the way,
15 years married, on the 15th of Feb,
My passion for you will never ebb.

A night out together would be so brill,
Away from the kids - a chance to chill,
To toast our anniversary, and St Valentine, too,
A chance for me to say I LOVE YOU!!!

Little JoJo (Unverified), 01/02/07

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In the shadow the the first encounter one felt no love to surrond her,
but in the light of the second night, one felt passion, clear and bright.

Brian J. Hamilton (Unverified), 01/02/07

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Love is a many fandangled word,
full of something not quite known,
love has features we all share
but is it really just that we care?

Or is love something deeper than that?
I'd bet you'd say yes or I'd eat my hat!
Love can be pretty, beautiful and bold
but love can also hurt, scratch and be cold.

But I love life and the chance to be true,
I'd love the chance to dine with you
and a night at Shanghais could make my dream a reality
with their chef's own speciality.

So I took the chance to write a line
that hopefully joins verse and rhyme
to let you know how much you mean
and that I care just for you.

swede (Unverified), 31/01/07

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Chopstick-clicking
Noodle-licking
Candle-flaring
Eyeball-staring
Sauce-slurping
(No-burping)
Lychee-peeling
Throbby-feeling
Pulses-racing
Yours-or-my-placing
Late-night-cuddling
Arms-and-legs-muddling
Duvet-hogging
Lotsa-snogging
LOVE

Amora (Unverified), 31/01/07

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A Hawaiian hula girl
fell for a Swedish prince.
The two met in Oxford
and stayed together ever since.

She of volcanic extraction,
he a most welcome distraction.
Though from opposite ends of the earth
the relationship had its birth

Right here in these hallowed walls
turning spires, centuries and all.

She promises to do a hula dance
if Shanghai 30's and Daily Info
give this odd pair a chance!

Keolani (Unverified), 31/01/07

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I hope it's comforting to know
I'm home
While we're broke and living low
That without money or goods
I love you - simple
So i hope it's comforting to know
That I care
Not for tables, sofas, chairs
But just for you
I hope that's comforting to know

I hope it's comforting to know
This Valentine's
While we wait for our home to show
I hope it's comforting to know
I love you - unconditional
So I hope it's comforting to know
That I care
Not for bricks, mortar, tiles
But just for you
I hope that's comforting to know

cici (Unverified), 30/01/07

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25 years still going strong
they said it wouldn't last
but we showed them they're wrong

ups and downs,
arguments so many
we've come through it
and love! we have plenty

friends to start
love then followed
now soul mates
what more could you ask?

as the years go by
my heart beats faster
another 25 years I can see us together

petal (Unverified), 30/01/07

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Fighting for light
Heads up in darkness
The finery of the night
Worn and flaunted
Each star out shining
The dark matter turning
No two flakes are alike
But the similarities stun
And amaze us both
Look inside deeper still
The sun's rays never nearer
One heart beat then another
One friend, then a lover
Each flame leaps higher
And as the sparks fall
Our eyes close
Tired through twilight
Day break before us
We retire

Dawntrader (Unverified), 29/01/07

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Before I found you I was lost and confused,
The ups and downs of life had left me so bruised.

You have brought me so much happiness, love and security
To feel so content is a feeling of purity.

I once thought my life would never go my way, but now I have you, and you light up my day.

Even though I am still young I know true love, you make me complete, we fit like a hand to a glove.

Soulmates forever we are meant to be,
I love you, my angel, you are my destiny.

Honeypot (Unverified), 28/01/07

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Love, sometimes only a word, a confused feeling, but so much more,
A look, that very essence of knowing what's in store,
A month, it can define and change what love might be in your eyes,
This moment, time stops when I wonder what lies between your sighs,
Flowers, I left them behind when you looked the other way,
Regret, the fear and indecision at not knowing what to say,
A chance, a dinner to remember all that once passed before by candlelight,
Welcome to Shanghai 30s, where love and lovers stop for a tasty bite...

Christophe (Unverified), 27/01/07

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IMPERIAL

Red and white:
Our countries' colours.
Silken colours, golden thread.

The dim lights, long alley,
Not to the old English Elisabeth
where an Italian princess partied
but to Shanghai in Oxford,
the endless beauty of Asia
and private elegance.
A feast of food there is and
Chopsticks to feed each other.

Like the dragon he breathes fire,
like the phoenix from the ashes I rise.

asia (Unverified), 27/01/07

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My love, to whom my favours tend,
Has only one fault she might mend:
Her failure to eat
(whether fish, veg or meat!)
Must really be brought to an end.

But how best to accomplish this feat?
Of course – with a Valentine’s treat,
At the best place in town,
Known for miles around;
Shanghai 30s can make her replete!

****
Jokes aside, all I’m wanting to say,
To you, my perfect fiancée,
With lines witty and terse
(a limerick verse!),
Is that you make me happy each day.

ssb (Unverified), 26/01/07

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For love's sake
... A Valentine,
hope entwined,
care inclined,
to wine and dine
an offer fine of
love, so kind.
Will you be mine?

shortertoad (Unverified), 26/01/07

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In this moment in time, I live and love.
But have I really live life if I have never fallen in love?

Now, this moment in time, I have found my true love,
Will I really live life if I give my true love my true love?

But as long as there is Hot and Sour Soup,
I believe my true love will live Forever Happy.

Will she give me this chance?

Only Shanghai 30's Hot and Sour Soup................

Your True Love (Unverified), 25/01/07

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At the Shangai 30's with my sweet valentine
eating oodles of noodles and sipping on wine.

It's where you might find me on the 14th of Feb
If I win the great prize that I found on the web.

But why should I win, I hear you all say.
Well, basically because it's St Valentine's Day.

I married the man who I've loved many years.
We've had ups and downs, lots of laughter, some tears.

But my pockets are bare, and my bank account too
so I can't buy him dinner to say "I love you".

I'm using my skill as a bit of a poet.
You love it, you do! Oh go on, you know it!

You think I should win and take my husband for dinner.
He'll love me so much 'cos I'm a Daily Info winner!!!

Charlotte Scadeng (Unverified), 25/01/07

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You make me feel beautiful.
No one else can do this.

You make me feel treasured.
A rare and prized possession.

You make me feel I can be
Myself: tears, anger, trouble and all.

You make me feel … essential.
Increasingly part of you as you are of me,
My Valentine.

MrsB2B (Unverified), 24/01/07

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I've waited 20 years for you
Now that I've found you
Let's be together
My lover
Forever

Time wasted is lost forever
Our love we'll remember
Together
Forever

I love you - now tell me:
Do you love me?
You do!

Valentine dinner at Shangai is for you
As special as your love is to me...

Ellyann (Unverified), 24/01/07

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Gentle tender tentative kisses
Give way to wetter sloppier passionate kisses
Arms reach around and behind you
You press against me
Urgently urgently
My searching hands
Take in the whole of your back
Beneath a January parka
An Oxford shawl
A polyester blouse
The touch of your skin better than sesame oil
No place for a Malthusian check

S (Unverified), 24/01/07

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He deserves it because he's special
he deserves it all the time
he deserves it for being a gentlemen
he deserves to be wined and dined

he is my pefect valentine
the best that one could be
a deserving part of the community
im sure all would agree

he deserves dinner for two
so perfect, a picture veiw

so this gift from you to him and me would be just perfect for two

spaced (DI User), 24/01/07

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While I was going to Shanghai,
I met a girl who caught my eye,
With talents rich beyond compare,
Huge soft round eyes, long chestnut hair;
My heart was hers, right then and there.

She took her time in giving hers,
Bitten, shy, and risk-averse;
But sky and water, day and night,
Brought endless talks, and dawning light:
Our time apart just wasn't right.

Ups and downs have come and gone;
I've thought her lost more times than one.
But something draws us back together,
Our trust an endless source of treasure,
I need her now much more than ever.

She knows I love her, that's for sure,
And Valentines can seem a chore;
But if I feed her with a rhyme,
The food will taste somehow sublime,
And she'll be pleased for quite some time.

romeo (Unverified), 23/01/07

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5 years, 2 children
What a crazy time it's been!?

House buying, job changing
How do we find the time within?!

Ups and downs, crys and laughter
We've been through it all.

Marriage plans; another baby
We just cant do it all.

One, only special day I want to show you more.
How about going to Shanghai - come on babe, let's walk through the door.

I love you today, I love you tomorrow 
I love you forever more.
'Cos of you my babe,
I'll always be sure.

mamas (Unverified), 23/01/07

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LOVE...
LOVE???
LOVE!!!

LOVE is Given...
Giving and inclined to give generously all you have...

LOVE is Tolerance???
Tolerating that you exist as transparent as air in his eyes???
Tolerating that his world for you as impalpable as a dream???

LOVE is Renunciation!!!
Let him go, let him breathe and let him own extremely happyness even without you!!!

LOVE...
LOVE???
LOVE!!!

What is Love?
LOVE is an indeterminate future!

H (Unverified), 22/01/07

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You took me to Shanghai and made me cry,
You left me on a crowded street and disappeared,
I was afraid that I will never find,
No, not you, but my preceding life.
But you came back and gave me bunch of roses,
You told me you were wrong and you regret...
What could I do without money in my pocket?
I had to follow you to that dirty-smelly hotel.
Next day you were OK and even nice,
You didn't kick me once and didn't shout,
I started thinking that you possibly could change,
But I was wrong, I knew it and I suffered.
But here we are, five years later still together,
We both have changed a lot, but never mind,
I'll make an effort not to remember painful,
I'll make an effort and will take you to "Shanghai".

Ching-Chong (Unverified), 22/01/07

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Love, love, love, love, love?

It's only a word, no amount of chocolate, flowers or words can ever replace the emotion, the feelings and the actions that are actually encompassed by that small 4 letter word.

I love you, I love you!

Its only words, no matter how much you say it, it only means something if you live it, show it and be it.

Valentines day.

It's only a day, and if it's the only day you show your love, then its a nothing day and the words 'I LOVE YOU' are empty. Make every day valentines day, not only for your lover but for everyone you love, your cat, your friends, family, the world. Feeling loved, being loved and loving is not about saying, but doing 'I LOVE YOU'.

Anna (Unverified), 19/01/07

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