This day is special to many--a day of magical magnificence,
One that calls for meaningful measures to demonstrate how much one cares.
But what constitutes a sufficient sacrifice?
What kind of gift or deed can measure up?

Red roses might just do the trick for some--or perhaps a heart-shaped box of sweets.
A movie and meal might also work, if the movie is just right--
A chick flick might be just the ticket.
Or should the ardent suitor go for broke and buy the jewels--
A necklace, brooch, or ring?

What will she think? What does she want? Why won’t she drop a clue?
He’d give her anything she wants if only she would say.
He only knows she does not want the mundane kitchen things―
No toasters, blenders, microwaves are suitable today.
He tried that once before.

Perhaps he’ll ask her what she wants, and she’ll tell him that she only wants his love-- Oh--and maybe a cute card.
But he also learned the lesson long ago that such offerings don’t go well.
They do not, somehow, make the grade of gifts that meet the mark.

She’s probably given hints for weeks, the kind that men don’t take.
But the clues she gave went past him and left her lover in the dark.
If she doesn’t want to be surprised with well-intentioned gadgets
She needs to speak quite frankly and tell him what she wants.

Love can survive unwounded on this day of hearts and lace,
If fancy notions can be scrapped And reality is given half a chance.

―Val Greenwood―