Valentine Gift



The message
Was the same
Wherever I went:

“Valentine’s Day!”

Eager merchants
Sold flowers
Along the streets
While friends and busybodies
Asked what I would give to
My valentine.

I thought of roses and
More so of candy,
But it all seemed so old,
Jewels too expensive and
Cards so contrived,
It’s pathetic.

I thought of my feelings
For my precious one,
Finally settling on a gift
I hoped she would like.

I took my beating heart
From my body
And wrapped it in my soul
With ribbons of hugs and
Kisses for bows.

My love and I
Traded packages
In shared solitude,
Opening the presents
We gave each other.

My valentine gift
Was the living heart of
My lover;
Beating in perfect rhythm
With mine.

We wrapped ourselves
In an embrace
And pondered how much
Great minds think alike.

© 2006 by Robert E. Blackwell