The Heart of Youth
(A Valentine Poem)
I remember when I was a little girl
My excitement for the upcoming Valentine’s Day
When mama would take me shopping
Give me money for valentines for which I’d pay.
Valentine’s Day was such a special holiday
Filled with joy, love humility and goodwill
I had valentines for everyone in my class
With lollypops I’d bought with my dollar bill.
The teacher let us decorate big personal envelopes
To hold all the valentines we would receive
These were tacked along the chalkboard tray
One for each and every child for the valentines we’d leave.
Those envelopes of valentines would stay there
All day long while we looked at them with yearning
Waiting for the endless day until the afternoon
When we’d have a valentine’s party following daily learning.
What joy it was to receive those beautiful little cards
With hearts, cupids, bows, and arrows and scrawled signatures
A valentine from each of the children in my class
Many signed with the word “love” or just “yours”.
The traditions that I so enjoyed in youth
Are as important to children in this day and age
We must make these interesting age-old holidays
Part of our children’s innocent cultural heritage rage.
© 2009 Jeanette Cooper
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JOYCE * HIS INSPIRATIONS
Sheila
Be always safe,
Karen
Edwin
(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tx., Karen Lynn. :(
Sad write; I didn't get any Valentines either, nor did I ever have a birthday party!
Sandie Angel :o)
Indeed we must, but now as back then, there are children who don't get Valentine's cards. I was one of them. :( Hurt then, hurts now. Holiday traditions are being done away with, for fear of offending. Sad. Excellent poem.
(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.