Let’s eschew sentimental romance this month. Put down the syrupy L-O-V-E poems about violets and silk pillowcases. Even if you are in love, let’s explore some of the other “Many, many loves” that enrich life and encourage goodness.

That’s where Marge Piercy reigns.

“The Crooked Inheritance” by Marge Piercy is full of brilliant, funny poems exploring love – its myths and manifestations. “Many, many loves” reminds us to pay attention to connections we have beyond coupledom, including ourselves. Here’s the first stanza, I urge you to pick up the book and be floored by the ending.

So many things we can love:
a man, a woman, a friend, a cat.
We can love a sugar maple
Turning orange from the bottom up;
We can love a weeping beech
With its twisting arms, the lush tent
Branches make sweeping the ground.