2014-0207 Valentine's Day

Hi All –

As many of you are aware, Valentine’s Day is looming just ahead on the horizon.  Every year, it is celebrated on February 14 and is a day for sweethearts to express their mutual affection, normally by exchanging greeting cards, known as valentines.  In modern times, gifts are sometimes given by the man to the woman expressing romantic sentiment.  These can take the form of flowers, candy, jewelry or lingerie. 

In my opinion it is probably Not A Good Thing to give lingerie to your girlfriend.  The message is “I sure wish you looked like one of those Victoria’s Secret models.”  Of course if you ARE dating a Victoria’s Secret model, then you don’t need any advice from me.  

Also, if your girlfriend is self-conscious about her weight, then candy should be avoided as well.  Naturally, being a supportive boyfriend, you can offer to eat the candy yourself.  You’ll then have an entire year before you have to think of another Valentine’s gift for your next girlfriend. 

Astute gentlemen are aware that there may be competition for the favor of their desired inamorata so they must outwit any other prospective suitors in their choice of gift.  It must be something that expresses their creativity and uniqueness and shows their interest in and knowledge of the woman’s aesthetic tastes. 

I suggest writing a poem.

Here a well-known example of a poem:

Roses are red,

Violets are blue,

Sugar is sweet,

And so are you.

Note that the endings of lines 2 and 4 rhyme.  Also note the rhythm and cadence of these lines.  There are four syllables to each line so the effect is pleasing to the ear. 

So . . . let’s write a Valentine’s Day poem.  First, to personalize the poem, we should include the maiden’s name.  Let’s call her Jane.  Next, think about Jane and the qualities that you find most impressive about her.  What attracts you to her above other women? Physical characteristics can be used such as smoldering eyes, delicate ears, raven tresses, a graceful neck, pearly white teeth or a beautiful complexion.  Probably best not to wander below the neckline, though.

Back to Jane.  Let’s say you find her endearing because she sings beautifully.  You could listen to her voice for hours and, if you ever get married, you may get your wish.  Knowing that birdsong is considered very pleasing, you could then compare her singing to that of a bird.  Throwing in a reference or two about her good looks is an added bonus.  So spend a little time and throw together a poem that won’t embarrass either you or her.  OK, so you ponder awhile and come up with the following:

A Valentine’s Poem For My Sweet Jane

How sweet the verdant woodlands sound,

When nightingales within abound,

Their calls do reach across the miles,

And bring to each a grateful smile.

Yet even these fall silent when,

My lovely Jane sings in the glen,

Her voice is judged beyond compare,

When gracing yet the still night air.

Now that you’ve written something original, HANDWRITE it on some pretty paper and decorate it.  Don’t just print it off on your computer.  That’s too ordinary.  Just be prepared after you give it to her for the possibility that she may say, “Wow, that’s very nice.  But you should see the lingerie that Bill got me!  It makes me look just like a Victoria’s Secret model!”

Sigh.

Yours for a romantic Valentine’s Day!

Kevin

Reminder:  If you are unsure about the meaning of the idioms used in this message, please refer to "Idioms, Figures of Speech, and Proverbs" posted in August.  An alternative is to look at http://idioms.thefreedictionary.com