June 3rd features a number of international observances, all of which I’m sure are taken very seriously by the marketing companies that invented them;
National Itch Day; World Bicycle Day; World Cider Day; National Egg Day; National Chocolate Macaroon Day … and the list goes on
But it’s also (apparently) “Love Conquers All” day.
Now Philip Larkin is arguably one of England’s finest poets, though not someone who generally reaches out to the romantic in you.
His dark, melancholic, thanatophobic approach to life can overwhelm one’s appreciation of his poetry, which is genius and includes within “An Arundel Tomb” perhaps his most quoted line of all ….
“What will survive of us is love”
And so, in celebration of that line and this day, I give you my ….
Top 3 Historic Moments When Love Conquered All
1. Cleopatra and Mark Antony: Love Amidst Empire
Of course we have to include that most tragic of romances between Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, as Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt, and Roman general Mark Antony. The true story saw our lovers defy political turmoil and the might of Rome. Despite immense pressures their love story remains one of history’s most dramatic examples of passion overcoming the odds—at least until the next film.
2. Paris and Helen: The Love That Launched a Thousand Ships
When love is sufficient to spark a war, according to Greek mythology at least when the love between Paris of Troy and Helen of Sparta sparked the Trojan War. Their relationship, fraught with conflict and tragedy, as seems to be par for the course in those ancient times, is a symbol of love’s ability to change the course of history, and future career plans.
3. Harry Burns and Sally Allbright: When Harry Met Sally
oh come on, we can’t just run with all of those tragic heroes of ancient times. Here we have a happy ending, despite everything. Disparate characters who were thrown together as a result of circumstance, with diametrically opposed views on life, romance and much else, yet it was love that guided them through the New York dating scene, some poor marriage choices, and eventually …. into each others arms.
Love truly conquers all.
Enjoy your day.