Geez. Who writes love letters nowadays? Not  me. Although, I did once. I had butterflies and felt elated every time I passed his classroom (yes he was a teacher) or when I saw him down the corridor. I was in love! (infatuated? had a crush? lust? delusional?). So one day, I decided I was going to let him know about my feelings. But no. I couldn’t just talk to him. I had to write it down. I poured my heart out on paper and of course I couldn’t just put it in his pigeon hole. I had to give it to a third party. I did my research and sent it to his colleague’s house. Well long story short…nothing happened. Maybe his colleague laughed her head off and never gave it to him or he got it and laughed his head off. But one thing for sure I am SO glad it never got published in this book. I would have been embarrassed because it was a pathetic letter.

The love letters and poems from Forever yours: Australia’s hidden love letters edited by Julie McCrossin and Kerrie Jean Ross are far deeper and meaningful than my woeful love rendition to someone who probably didn’t know I existed! The love letters from this book were borne out of a competition ran by ABC Radio National  about 10 years ago. People were also invited to send love letters and poems. I enjoyed reading all of it. Here’s one of my favourites (I don’t know why – clearly he was romantic in his own way?):

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Surry Hills, New South Wales, 30 June 1879

Dear Sarah,

Received yours on the twenty-ninth. I am sorry there has been a misunderstanding between us. From what you said to me the last time I saw you, I though you had changed your mind. As I don’t intend to go down on my hands and knees and beg anyone to marry me, I thought it best to say no more about it, as I don’t like any of that sort o’ nonsense. I will come out on Thursday night if it is fine and if it is all right, we will let bygones be bygones. You must not let anyone know about this – say it was the wet weather that kept me away. Remember me to Annie and Laurie.

Yours truly,

George Virtue

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George and Sarah married one month later and had 8 children!