Valentine
- Karen Boniface
- Feb 7
- 1 min read
February is a short month. In it, a nod to a third-century Roman saint provides a brief, bright interlude in winter. Secretly marrying Christian couples in defiance of the emperor’s ban, he became the patron of lovers and happy marriages, signing his final letter “Your Valentine.”
Valentine’s feast day, February 14, evolved from the legends that surround him. The tradition of cards, flowers, and sweets slowly developed over time, adding symbols like hearts and cupids.
I hope you’re sharing sentiments with those you love. Here’s a valentine I wrote in 2009. I dedicated it to my husband.
I considered using the made-up word “oneliness” instead of “oneness.” What do you think of that idea? Scroll to the Comments section below and let me know.
Kiss
two eyes meeting,
two hearts beating
as one
two souls giving
two lives living
as one
oneness –
loneliness
undone
Your husband is a fortunate man to have had such a lovely poem written to him for Valentine’s Day! I love the way that you put your words together to express that “oneness” with the one you love, negates loneliness. So true!
Love your gift of words, my friend. Happy Valentine’s Day, BFF.❤️
I really like this post and experiencing you both as a teacher and a writer. Knowing a bit of the historical context brings new meaning to being a “Valentine.” A fierce advocate for love. And “loneliness undone” are two words strung beautifully together.
If I had to choose, I’d pick “oneness” (clarity over cleverness).
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Love the history and the free verse! My thoughts - "oneness" preferred over "oneliness" Two reasons (1) oneliness is too close to onlines and could be mistaken as a typo, causing a break in the flow of the poem. (2) oneliness sounds too much like loneliness, an opposite concept. ~ Thank you, Friend! TO