This competition is now closed - thankyou for all your wonderful entries! Congratulations to JOSEPHINE, who wins a romantic Valentine's dinner for two at Fratelli's.

You're still very welcome to send us poems, but they'll only win you glory! Check out the entries for our Anti-Valentine's Day Poetry Competition here.

Love Feast

B ellissimo husband, Mamma Mia! You're mine!
E liche o Fusilli, you're just as divine
L ike Sarde Al Forno with a Tuscan wine
O ur hearts so beautifully intertwine
V ivacious and virtuous you smoothly combine
E h! Come to Fratellis and together we'll dine
D arling mia amore, mia valentine

H ungry and passionate, perfetto soulmate
U nder the table you flirt with our fate
S aucy like bolognese, love on a plate
B aby my love will never abate
A nd if you still wonder, if there's any debate
N ip down to Oxford and meet me at eight
D ine at Fratellis for an ultimate date!

Josephine, 21/01/09

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From the moment that he caught my eye,
I walked over to him and said “hi”.
After talking and pizza,
I soon learned that he’s
About all I could want it a guy.

Now we live far apart and it’s true,
His next visit will tiramisu*.
After forty-three days,
We will be face-to-face.
I think that’s worth a dinner. Don’t you?

*Lift me up.

Pizza Girl, 10/02/09

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Valentine Villanelle


Famed for romance and great tagliatelle
Yes in Cowley it’s no crime to kiss
So please take me alla casa Fratelli

I’ll mug up on Dante and Shelley
And impress you in Latin with Horace
Before romance and great tagliatelle
I don’t want a hot curry from Delhi
Just Italian pasta-based solace
I must go to ristorante Fratelli

When I see you my heart turns to jelly
Then sets off to East Oxford catharsis
For romance and great tagliatelle
While others take inferior pappardelle
My Cowley Road carbonara will be bliss
Oh do let’s go to the brothers (Fratelli)

On the fourteenth we won’t watch the telly
(And if I win the meal will be gratis)
I’ll romance you with great tagliatelli
Come love me and kiss da Fratelli

OAP, 10/02/09

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My Tom -ato

He's a glasses-wearing, Viz-reading hunk,
He enjoys munching Bruchetta, especially for the chunk.
He's no punk, but actually enjoys some Krug-
Bring on the bubbles and muchos rumpy-pump!

With his big curly hair and passion for footy
Am I his Sweep? For he is definitely my Sooty.

I adore his quick wit and silly little habits,
When he tackles his spaghetti he looks like a rabbit,
And with sauce about his chops, he looks so pleased and proud as punch,
i've got a feeling about my Tom-ato- He's My One.... its just a hunch!

Bellyboo, 10/02/09

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I was 14 as I recall,
a young girl, still at school.
The taste of youth like fresh green herbs,
while we played tag on the street curbs.

We were introduced by a friend,
our love, we now know never to end.
Your big brown eyes like tiramisus,
there was just no way I could resist you.

15 more loving years we've shared,
laughter and tears we both have bared.
Our bodies entwined like that of spaghetti,
the passion, it runs so hot and sweaty.

Together our lives bring us so much,
I still go weak with your tender touch.
we have grown and matured like fine red wine,
and on life and love we shall always dine.

missred, 10/02/09

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You are like the four seasons, ever changing

Ever sweet, ever lasting like the taste of limoncella

Do you remember?... I met you in the neopolitan city of Naples
the home of pizza

You were drinking espresso, I was drinking to forget

Your eyes caught mine and now we are together – yet

I never tell you how wonderful you are
This poem is for you.

You deserve to have a chef prepare a feast for you, the food of the country where we met…..the mediterranean country of love –

Olives and capers, mozzarella and pesto, Kisses and laughter

I LOVE YOU!

Please be my Italian valentine at Fratellis –
It will be a night to cherish and remember!
Mi Amore xxx

limoncella, 09/02/09

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Decisions, Decisions

I have never felt as nervous as the way I feel tonight,
I’ve got a very special date and have to get things right.
She’s absolutely beautiful, I so want to impress,
Should I wear jeans? A suit? A tie? Why am I such a mess?

We are going to Fratelli’s; she said she loves to eat,
Italian food is always good – there’s pasta, pizza, meat…
I’d love to have bruschetta – but garlic can be strong,
And if she doesn’t eat it then I’ve really got things wrong.

Is minestrone safer? Or maybe antipasti?
Grilled sardines? Prosciutto? This really could turn nasty.
I must relax, it will be fine –
Great ambience, some sparkling wine…

With spaghetti frutti di mare –
Or puttanesca made to share,
And insalata tricolore –
I hope her thoughts turn to amore…

For dolce I’d like tiramisu,
I wonder, would she like that too?
Cappuccino for her? Espresso for me?
With flaming Sambucas? We’ll just have to see.

And after that, I have it planned,
I’ll smile at her – and take her hand,
Then look into her eyes and say,
Please be my Valentine – today!

Sparkler, 09/02/09

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olive you
to pizzas

mooncalf, 09/02/09

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honeymoon memories

Sun: setting gently behind Tuscan hills
We stood and gazed together.

Candlelight: dancing about a bottle of local wine
We sat and drank together.

Clown: delighting the crowds in Florence
We watched and laughed together.

Olives: hanging from sun-baked trees
We wandered and roamed together.

Aromas: rising from colourful, flavourful food
We smiled and ate together.

Stars: studding the deep night sky
We stopped and breathed together.

Love: continues back here in the snow, yet
We long to re-taste Italy together.

Mrs M, 09/02/09

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midnight felicitations

thick dense soft falling snow
filling in fox tracks drowning
bare roots in silence;
over the earth is a matt of white
baring two naked lovers in crystals

lita doolan, 09/02/09

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I missed you,
While I blinked,
If there was a word to describe,
Your beautiful face,
I would utter it infinitely,
And yet,
It wouldn't be justice,
A touch from you,
Is more special than a flower,
That blooms once a millennia,
Be my valentine.

Potter Bites, 08/02/09

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You little pappardella
Come and join this saucy fella
Let us make little fratelli
In that holy wholesome belly

We can have a marinara
Make the new scarlett o'cara!
Or how about a bolognese?
Pedigree Italo-Inglese

Puttanesca better not
Could turn out a little hot
Saltimbocca could be trouble
In that cauldron boil and bubble

A cannellone or calzone
Might breed a well-endowed barone
Or a nice fresh Ortolana
Earthy goddess bella e sana

Polpettina, come, amore
To this Cockerel Cacciatore
Come swim in a glass of vino
With Casanova Valentino.

Fifi, 07/02/09

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I feel.....
your hand soothing my head, when i cry
I feel.....
your innocent kiss on my forehead, when i sleep
i feel.....
your gentle touch, when i'm sick
I feel.....
Sparkles in your eyes, when i'm happy
I feel.....
your arm holding mine, when i'm scared
I feel.....
you are gazing at me and talking continously, when i'm alone
I feel......I feel......
I feel.....
I'm in love with you, though i don't know who YOU are.......

Junti, 06/02/09

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You and For you...........


My desire is you
My every breath is for you....

My race is you
My every step is for you........

My spirit is you
My every tranquility is for you....

My language is you
My every word is for you.........

My existence is you
My every movement is for you.......

My vision is you
My image is for you.........

My dream is you
My reality is for you.....

With me is you.......
Within me is you........

Junti, 06/02/09

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Italian Valentine

We sat together at Fratellis
In a quiet and thoughtful space
Within the bustle of food and conversations

She had the Parmigiana di Malanzane
Mine was the Fettucine Diavoletto
And we drank a bottle of Med red wine

Brought together by a love of Italian food
We began to nourish a love of each other
Mentioning Venice when we swopped our lives

I think we had tiramisu and panettone
And a shot of espresso or two
But long before that we were lost, then found

Phil, 05/02/09

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I cannot be late, he’ll be here at eight, I won’t make him wait – my Valentine!
What should I wear? Or do with my hair? I don’t want to scare – my Valentine!
I must look my best, so I'll pass the test, as he will attest – my Valentine!
We’re going out to dine, on good food and wine, we’ll have a great time – it’s Valentine’s!
We’ll eat tortellini, and deep fried zucchini – don’t spare the bikini – it’s Valentine’s!
If I know my man, he will have a plan, if he asks – I can – it’s Valentine’s!
He’ll get down on one knee, look up at me, and then make his plea–my Valentine!
He’ll give me a ring, some sparkling bling, to make my heart zing – my Valentine!
I’ll wear my red dress, it’s cut to impress, for when I say “Yes” – to Valentine!
Then I’ll be his wife, his trouble and strife, I’ll have a great life – with Valentine!
So I cannot be late, he’ll be here at eight, I won’t make him wait – my Valentine!

Max, 05/02/09

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My love for you is like diarrhoea. I just cant hold it in!

Your body reminds me of a spanner.
Evertime I think of you my nuts
tighten up!

You might not be the best looking girl in here, but beauty is only
a light switch away!

Funny poet, 04/02/09

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Travel (with me)

As you slip into the depths
of your inevitable journey
to leave me here
Alone
Without you
Stop every now and then
and honour us

Yes….

Honour you and me
in a way
that is befitting
So that you may
shoehorn me
into your everyday life
Fit me in your pocket
Tap it when you ache
for my touch
Listen for my
strings and drums
And replay
conversations
Request my smallish shoulder
under your handsome arm
when dog tiredness
takes its toll on you
Hold my vaguely
memorable hips
Soft and curved
in your warm and thinking hands
Accommodate me
in your silent, empty bed
and spill yourself
into my daytime
even when you sleep
So that when you wake
Startled at your juxtaposition
Like a new star in the galaxy
You can mouth some words
that only I can hear

And you will know
that I am here
and that you
are not alone

Esther, 04/02/09

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You say "close your eyes and tell me what you see",
I see only two people, just you and me.

The words you speak are sweet like tartup blanchi al ciaccolato,
Protect them in a box and tied up with a satin bow.

I could sit writing poems about how you make me weak as jelly,
although the best way to your mans heart is through his belly.

This Valentines night we could be romancing over Pinot Grigio and saucy spaghetti,
Helping to show my love for you, from the courtesy of 'Fratellis'

cici, 04/02/09

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The closest way between our hearts is the moment
that we share together while preparing Arugula Pesto Sauce for the Farfalle
that you bought earlier just because I had told you I like it.
But you will be gone tomorrow and
I will send you a white pigeon, which will fulfilled with my love and carry happiness on her wings. See, I am close to you just like heart, put your hands on it whenever you feel lonely, I will be there.

I love you…

Roseusum, 04/02/09

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serafina
wades
through water
as the sun shimmers
into the shadows of the sea
how i love her beautiful
voice
her
choice
is me
we make love under the sun
we make love under the moon
soon it will be daylight
and then we can delight
in a new day
and get married straight away

tash, 03/02/09

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Meeting you is unforgettable
You changed my entropy
My missing rib, hidden treasure
and jewel of inestimable value
Vibrating in the same natural frequency,
Our resonance aligns.
You are a paragon of beauty
does not depict you
Pretty personified
An embodiment of completeness
Your rare qualities, non-pareil
Your idiosyncrasy enchants
You best fit into my part
You are my principal focus
A lacuna in my life you fill
Tell me the sinequanon
of loving and winning your heart

BOBODANO, 03/02/09

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Love is so trite
I hear you say
but what does trite mean?
it means "Lacking power to evoke interest through overuse or repetition; hackneyed, frayed or worn out by use."
So please let us come clean
and come out and say
That we should make love count every day.

AgentLurve, 02/02/09

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i met her once, in the big smoke
we shared a cigarette and joked
about the future, and the past
how did we get here so fast?

Javier, 27/01/09

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There’s not much you can say,
Really, not much without it seeming
Unlikely, an insincerity, a
Caricature, exaggerated angle and colour
(A trick for cheap pleasure):

If it could seem real when I said it, I
Would say: you make me feel euphoric.

...

(But if you can't believe I could feel this way
Perhaps a good Italian meal would hold more sway?
If it's true that food is love, as they say
Then let substance replace sonnet, I pray).

krissy, 23/01/09

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I love you more than spaghetti sauce
All creamy and shiny and spicy of course,
I love you more than Turkish delight
Soft, sweet and gooey, lust at first sight,
I love you more than my nan’s shepherd’s pie
Bursting with goodness, easy on the eye
I love you more than burgers with cheese
Not at all greasey and no sign of sleaze
I love you more than marmite on toast
Strong, dark and handsome, more tangy than most
So I think you’re tasty and I hope you love me,
All washed down with a nice cup of tea!

Rollerbel, 19/01/09

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My Love Addiction

My love for him is like a crack addiction.
Feelings are hard to say but here’s a description.
I’m addicted to his perky lips.
The aggressive way he grasps my hips.
His soft hands and his gentle touch.
I despise the fact that I love him so much.
We attract like cookies and cream,
He helped me change my insecurity evolve into a positive self-esteem.
I’m in love with his cunning grin;
The sneaky look he gives and his smooth chocolate skin.
His upfront say it like it is attitude,
And the way he isn’t too kind and isn’t too rude.
Yes, we may have our ups and downs.
And my smile may change to a frown.
But no ones perfect.
And he feels like my soul mate.
Whenever I’m around him I get that tingly feeling every girl feels on their first date.
He’s my secret mister and I’m his secret missis;
His love and affection is no where near in comparison to a thousand kisses.
Some say I’m not smart for being with him,
Others say I’m mental.
They say he doesn’t wife them he just keeps them on the side of his busy life like a movie rental.
I am what I am.
I do what I do.
If anyone was in my position they’d
Feel the same way too.
Although I love him dearly
I don’t know if he can see it clearly.
I need a cure for my love addiction.
I need a first aid kit and a doctor’s prescription.

Mannie*, 19/01/09

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over osso buco and vino
i spied a segnora from torino
she screamed 'son of a beecha'
and grabbed my salciccia
now we're expecting bambino

crapmaggot, 18/01/09

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Our eyes met over a plate of Scungilli,
he asked are 'you busy?' and she said 'not really'.
Over the panna cotta it became clear,
there was no escaping and it was time to get away from here.
So after a quick espresso,
they both said: let's go!
At home the amore got the chance to bloom,
And ever since they have been sharing a room.

Another example of the fact that Italian food,
Always gets you in the mood!

Cinnamon, 18/01/09

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Are you feeling splendidly amorous? Send us heartfelt verses about why your loved one deserves a fabulous Valentine's night at Fratelli's (see prize details, right) and the best poem received by noon on Tuesday 10th February wins the coveted table for two!

Extra points if you include Italian food in your poem, thus:

I love a pet yeti who steals my spaghetti
and also risotto, but when he gets blotto
he'll snooze with his shoes in the tiramisus.

Or perhaps something more romantic. If your feelings towards the institution of St. Valentine's Day are more sarcastic than soppy, try our Anti-Valentine's Day Poetry Competition instead to win a night out for 4 at the Big Bang!

Daily Info Staff, 14/01/09

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