*****

Recorded Reading (3:11): https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/9ivlxihi1w63fz8f6u2p7/Valentine-to-Myself.mp3?rlkey=2i5i0tsondynm707zyybjrsf5&dl=0

*****

Ah, Valentine’s Day!…

The hope, the despair! The suspense, the elation, the clinging expectation, the giddy unbelieving relief, the paths of life forever altered!…

The poet watched a young man cross in front of her van today, roses held carefully in the hand from which also dangled a tastefull black and gold gift bag. 

Beard neatly combed. Spring in his step.

That old, eternal light o’ love in his eye.

Bless his heart.

The poet herself, being now by virtue of age and too many unrecovered injuries fairly ineligible for the comforts and craziness of romantic love, views it all with a nostalgic and beneficent eye.

*****

Valentine to Myself

It’s true you’re not the youngest
Or (by far) most beautiful
Specimen of womanhood,
But I am comf’table
When we hang out together
That you won’t some drama pull

You like it peaceful in the home
That’s the way I like it too
Don’t always have to worry ’bout
Some storm bein’ on the brew
When other folks leave you alone
You leave them alone too

That’s not to say you’re perfect —
It’s certain that your mode of dress
Is unendorsed by anyone
A fashion sense might bless
It’s really kind of pretty, though
I guess I must confess

I don’t mind when I have to stand
Aside when strangers talk to you
‘Bout what they see and say and
What they think and dream and do
Because they seem to better feel
Each time when you are through

In conversation, it is true,
You never to the subject keep
But what you do say’s sometimes known
To make a strong man weep
Because it gives him back the
Self respect he thought he couldn’t keep

Sometimes the body you neglect
But never so the soul
You make sure to preserve our love
Fresh, pure, pristine and whole
No separation from your Self
Will you consent yourself enroll

No sneaking deeds of selfishness
No small lies of convenience
No grabbing petty power
At some other soul’s expense
No focus on revenge —
Practicing inner due diligence

As a result I get to feel
Uninterruptedly
That without let or hindrance
I may defenceless be
In one place in this wicked world:
That’s in your company!

*****

Until removal of the stalker/targeter/vandal/arsonist following her allows her to approach any landlord ~ even for a private parking space ~ and to begin once again to create professional connections and begin to rebuild her life, this poet presently lives homeless and at a fraction of her nation’s poverty level ~ still working to contribute to her society, however, seven days a week.

Arts patrons may visit http://www.UgiftABLE.com , using code #72D-31S. It does take several days for the poet to be notified of your patronage.

Thank you for supporting quality in the fine arts.