#11 in an ongoing series of posts celebrating the alphabet.
Writing X’s for kisses dates back to the Middle Ages, when much of the population was illiterate. A person made an "X" for his name, then kissed it, as a promise to stick to the agreement. Over time, the X came to stand for the kiss itself. (photo by Samdogs)
If X marks the spot, you’ve come to the right place!
I thought we’d give X a little love and attention today. As one of the least used letters in the alphabet (second only to Z), I imagine it must get pretty lonely at times.
A, E, I, O, U get invited to parties left and right. But X? It’s usually the first to be crossed off the A-list. This is what sometimes happens to letters with a sordid past: X-rated movies, Brand X, the symbol for "Poison." But I’m happy to report X has redeemed itself of late.
Today, almost everybody wants an X-Box, loves the X-Files, and knows X to be a mover and shaker: XFER, XMIT, XREF, X-ing. Besides, who can resist a letter with such magnetism and mystique? The X-factor definitely makes life interesting.
Up until a few days ago, Diane Lockward was Lady X to me. I saw "My Husband Discovers Poetry" in Good Poems for Hard Times, and simply had to read more of her work. When I found "I’m Lonely as the Letter X," I knew I had truly discovered a kindred spirit.
I’M LONELY AS THE LETTER X
by Diane Lockward
photo by Pixel Packing Mama.
Poor, neglected X, only two and a half pages
in a dictionary nearly three thousand long.
My lover’s gone. I know how it feels
to receive scant attention, to have gifts
ignored. X deserves more.
X is special, a symbol, shouting, Don’t do it!
And kindly too, warning of dangerous crossings,
strange, dark roads traveled alone.
Mysterious, an unknown quantity — who really knows
what X represents? I wish I were as prolific as X,
which goes forth and multiplies: 2x, 5x, 7x.
(Rest is here.)
photo by Abdallah.
I am in the habit of crossing my legs. But I’m not mysterious, just short.
Tricia at The Miss Rumphius Effect is our Poetry Friday hostess today. She’ll probably give you a kiss if you ask her ☺!
BTW, have you checked out Diane’s Blogalicious yet? Fab posts about poetry writing process. A good one to bookmark!
photo by emily2012.
Have an Xtraordinary weekend!
~ jama ♥
xxoo
Certified authentic alphabetica. Handmade especially for you with lots of love, hugs, and kisses!
Great post. Thanks for the link. Going to check Diane’s blog out.
I don’t think X has anything to complain about after this delectable post. (I enjoyed it xtremely.)
What a cute poem!
There was a Garfield cartoon from a few years ago (on Will’s current page-a-day calendar), which shows Garfield wondering how dogs find their bones after burying them. Then he comes across Odie painting a big red X on the spot.
Love that poem.
Every time I read an alphabet picture book with a particularly clever treatment of “x,” I’m happy. Must be challenging to avoid the “xylophone” trap.
Jules
7-Imp
Tanita Says
What a fun, twisty poem!
Love those gorgeous thigh-highs, too. Purty!
Sadly, I, too, am completely non-mysterious. Possibly if I had thigh-highs like that, I could maintain the appropriate aura of mystery, but I think it’s just all down to being short, too.
*sigh*
Thanks for stopping in today! I think you’ll enjoy reading more about Diane.
It’s my first X-rated post!!
That’s cute. I’ve always wondered how the squirrels find all the acorns they bury in our yard.
You’re right, the xylophone trap! Lots of them kind of “cheat” with “ex” words.
Re: Tanita Says
Can’t do anything about the short thing, but mysterious — that’s something we can work on! I’m feeling your aura already . . .
I’d like to be mysterious. But I’m not.
Hmm. Where ARE my thigh-highs? I know I used to have some.
I couldn’t get on earlier today. LJ was acting funky. Giving me the xx off. Ha!
Anyhow, fun post, eXtra-delicious!
Dobbins thinks you’re delightfully mysterious! He still has a crush on you
.
I had some problems getting on yesterday, and a little today — I know yesterday’s was related to the DOSS attack on social networking sites, but don’t know about today. XX off!
hee. You’re Xponentially brilliant!
I find that oddly gratifying!
x-games
Ooh I spent some time watching the x-games last week. Extreme sports- love ‘em xxxxxxxx
Loved that poem too. Thanks!
Re: x-games
X-tra thanks to you for reading!
I LOVE knowing how X came to be the kiss standing beside O’s hugs!
Now all I have to do is find out how “O” got to be the hugger!
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