A Saint Valentine's Day Ode

Within each heart there be

A longing, 'tis love's decree

The call to self and another true

The blessings of devotion on to you

Within each heart a questing fair

To embrace another with love's tender care

Within each heart a knowing divine

This ever yours, this ever mine 

Love to ever find its sacred way

This moment, this hour, this day.

Rose Marie Raccioppi

Poet Laureate

Orangetown, New York

Georgia O’Keeffe', "Red, Yellow and Black Streak," 1924, oil on canvas.

"The popular customs associated with Saint Valentine's Day undoubtedly had their origin in a conventional belief generally received in England and France during the Middle Ages, that on 14 February, i.e. half way through the second month of the year, the birds began to pair. Thus in Chaucer's Parliament of Foules we read:

For this was sent on Seynt Valentyne's day
Whan every foul cometh ther to choose his mate.

For this reason the day was looked upon as specially consecrated to lovers and as a proper occasion for writing love letters and sending lovers' tokens."

 From: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/15254a.htm