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 :)

[Brianna Brie]

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.

This is a sweet little read from beginning to end. The final conclusion can be a lesson well learned. Thanks.

[Chloe..Across the Unive..]

I could smell the glue .. this is wonderfully written .. poignant .. and much better than Hallmark!
I like it Emily..

Chloe
xoxo

[SweetPeachesAlways]

I like this piece of writing...authentic and original.
Very nice write!

[PoemRodent]

Very nicely written and the imagery you presented accented the story well in great detail. Crafting another look and view seen through a writers eyes always has someform of thought and trajectory done well.

Very nice Emily!!!!!

Love and Thoughts,

Dostani

[An Ordinary Woman]

Emily, I love the message of this and the imagery too.

My favorite part was this ...I'll take my time and use a ruler to measure it all out if I need to. With bright colored crayons and lots of patience, maybe I'll stay inside the lines. With love and care, I'll write a pretty verse all my own. No leaving my fate in the hands of Hallmark this year.

I smiles as I read this, remembering how important all those things are when making that special Valentines Card. Maybe the holiday isn't so bad after all. :+) Thank you for this ...

[Yvonne Heidt]

Oh wow. This hit me right in the gut. Beautifully written with such a great moral!

"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...."

My favorite lines.

Excellent

[Jenny Davis]

I LOVED the images of school scissors and glue...it brought me back to more innocent times when love shined through my own hands...like your own lovely card! I think you may have a point about how Valentine's Day and any other Holiday is up to us to make great...very nice story :)

[Kevin Andros]

This is so great and cute peice Emily! Like every one ordinary persons out there, you can best do this kind of stuff. This is really great! Thanks for writing for the occasion. ~KA~

[luthien7]

Really cool, all the difference between making a "gesture" and the excitement of a thing, doing something that //means// something.
Thanks for the read

[logmein]

Remember the kiss-o-grams Ha Ha Ha Such silly youngsters huh