my Valentine

That day is coming; that one I’ve always dreaded. It was cute at first. Flowers and chocolate and lacy froo-froo cards found their way into my hands from boys with sweet intentions. Boys grew into men and still there were flowers and cards. Once there was a live rose from a man who didn’t believe in cut flowers. It was always a day to look forward to, like a birthday or Christmas. Once upon a time, it was a day to feel special.

 

I don’t remember when the charm of the day died. It may be that it drizzled away slowly, just another one of the pitfalls of being an adult. Work and time and money all conspired against the day of hearts and flowers. Gestures still passed between us; a box of candy or a card.

 

I want the make-a-tissue-paper-covered-shoebox for school kind of excitement back. Maybe I’ll make my own card this year. I’ll get some of those jumbo Crayolas, the kind that fit in your hand really well. I’ll need some construction paper: pink, red and white and maybe even purple. Of course, that means I need school scissors and white glue and paper doilies. If you’re going to do a thing, you’d best do it right.

 

I’ll draw hearts and clouds and arrows. I’ll take my time and use a ruler to measure it all out if I need to. And with bright colored crayons and lots of patience, maybe I’ll even stay inside the lines. I’ll write a pretty verse all my own. No leaving my fate in the hands of Hallmark this year. No way.

 

And the more I think of it, I have to wonder. It could well be that the problem with Valentine’s day all along, was in my own heart.

 

Reviews

[The Girl That Let You G..]

I think you got it perfectly at the end...Its so much more meaningful being homemade with all your heart put into it, rather then some cheesy card from hallmark or clintons, with silly pictures and verses that everyone sees...
Wonderful story Emily :)

[Fabian G. Franklin]

I gave my sweetie a Sony stereo for Valentine's...my mom, now she can hear her Eddie Arnold and Jim Reeves CDs...360 watts of can you hear me now? lol She won't wear the hearing aids, she's eighty and gets so much joy from music, just to hear her singing along with those songs was all the thanks my heart could ever wish for. I'm sorry for rambling on, the story was very endearing and handmade gifts are wonderful, I always love something someone has put some time and labor into preferred above a store bought gift. Draw me a picture, write me a poem or a song...those personal gifts are the best. Great story.

[mick weller]

and yet ... maybe it will return ...
I've given up on flowers
men grow cautious too

Valentine's Day is seen as a chore for a lot of people. "Man, I have to get the chocolate, the flowers...and the card! Why can't I just get her some money?"

If I'm with someone during Valentine's Day, I always make an effort. I write something of my own. It could be a little poem, or perhaps a short story with a man on a horse and a woman who wants to be saved....

Hmm, maybe I'll leave the later to the professionals.

[poddar kushal]

wonderful."make-a-tissue-paper-covered-shoebox "! nice li'le story

[Patty Neff]

Hey I tried to rate your work and it wouldn't let me rate you higher than 50% but I wanted to give it an 80% - Well at least you know better !!!!

[Patty Neff]

There is alot of truth in that for me!

[Alexander W. Quinn]

Ooohhhh...the memories! Even when I was a sprout I'd get all red in the cheeks when I gave a girl a Valentine's card, and usually a bag of those horrible chaulky heart shaped candies, the ones with "Be Mine" or "Ur Cute" on them.
This is a wonderful little piece that brings a smile to my face and to my heart. This could be said for so many of the holidays that used to be special, but now are all owned by Hallmark and VISA.
Great read!

[[untitled]]

"Once there was a live rose from a man who didn't believe in cut flowers. "
A very intriguing line.

The older I get, and I am, I crave the simpler and quaint old
excitements of youth.

You are a treasure!
love, Jack

[Andrea A. Wentz]

LOL I love this! Starts out sad and you're expecting some tragic break up but then a slight twist, "I don't remember when the charm of the day died." A longing for something specific, a resolution to make it happen, then a realization the gives hope for a new dawn, "And the more I think of it, it could well be that the problem with Valentine's day all along, was me."

Absolutely LOVE this piece! Thank you for sharing it :D It's definately going in my favorites!

[mattavelli]

Well, I hope you had a good one this year!!!
I like this. It's sort of sad and it tells a good story.
Have fun. :)