Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

MY VALENTINE by RAY CLARKE ROSE

First Line: BUT ONCE A YEAR THE FATES, MY DEAR
Last Line: TO-DAY AND ALL THE DAYS TO COME!
Subject(s): COURTSHIP; HOLIDAYS; VALENTINE'S DAY;
But once a year the Fates, my dear,
Permit me thus to write to you—
Alas! they don't insure this won't
Seem ludicrous or trite to you.
For weeks I 've penned stray lines to blend
In singing verse to woo your heart;
But words are weak, nor half bespeak
My love. Ah, if I knew your heart!

These winter days, when you upraise
Your eyes, and, smiling, glance my way,
Fair summer smiles with all her wiles,
And joys, light-footed, dance my way.
But if you frown—ah! then the town
Becomes a frigid waste to me,
And black despair broods everywhere,
And sorrows crowd in haste to me.

All this and more. Since I adore
So fondly, may I court you, dear?
I 'll buy you things, bonbons and rings,
And later I 'll support you, dear.
Come to me, sweet, slow-paced or fleet,
Choose any of the ways to come;
Be, maid of mine, my valentine
To-day and all the days to come!



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