“Dare to love yourself
as if you were a rainbow
with gold at both ends.”
― Aberjhani

Where are you, Valentine?
I first searched for you
Amid the children's Valentine's
Of my early school years;
As a teen
I anxiously waited,
Hoping you would ask me
To the prom,
But I waited in vain;
Now as an adult
I've witnessed other women
Receiving roses, balloons,
Cute stuffed animals,
And heart-shaped boxes
Of decadence.
With an envious and
Sinking heart
I have watched
From the brink
Of old age;
I have long given up
On ever seeking you
Bearing a sweet symbol
Of your love
Exclusively for me.

I have finally accepted
That I must love myself first
Before I can give
Or receive
The love I have yearned for
For so long,
That I must be my own
Valentine,
And why not?
Who else would best know
Of my many
Good and loving traits
Or of my
Soft and generous heart?

So why not treat myself
To a day at a spa
And a bright bouquet
Of my favorite flowers?
I can splurge on the antique earrings
On display at the thrift store
Just off the town square;
And after enjoying the daylight hours
I would finish the holiday with
A candle-lit dinner,
Soft jazz playing from
The radio,
While I revisited my
Cherished, fragile first edition
Of "Sonnets From The Portuguese."
Valentine's Day is
A day for showing one's love...
Who says you can't be
Your very own
Valentine? 

c. 2017