Caution: Cherub on the Loose!

Okay, so I couldn't let the month go by without some bow to the traditional hearts-y holiday. Now I could have been lazy and just made a couple of changes to my newsletter editorial for this month and reprinted it here, but ... Applause, please! ... I didn't. I slid my rear into the chair, glued my fingers to the keyboard, pasted my eyeballs on the monitor and came up with something. Amazing how, as one's marriage matures, it becomes harder to find something new to say about Valentine's Day. My marriage is quite mature - come the 22nd of this month, it'll be 34 years old. So, yeah, we've probably said everything there is to say over the years, but ... what's the harm in saying them all again, huh? Huh?

Anyway, here's my concession to the love month. Hope you enjoy it!

Caution: Cherub on the Loose!

Hearts made of paper, and cardboard, and gold;
Hearts on a chain, in a ring … hearts to hold.
Hanging in windows and taped to the doors,
What in the world is this heart fever for?

It keeps coming ‘round, second month, every year -
Heart fever, lovesickness, and plenty to spare!
They say a small cherub, with romance at heart,
Shoots love-poisoned arrows and deadly heart-darts.


He’s dangerous, this Cupid! Beware his dead aim!
Once hit by his ammo, you’re never the same.
He’ll turn a strong heart into soft, melty mush,
You’ll whisper “I love you,” when you should just hush.

Be careful of chocolates this time of the year,
They’re filled with some magic, not what they appear.
Steer wide and steer clear of the ones in red hearts –
Their power is awesome, a real work of art!

Don’t dare open cards, not on Valentine’s Day –
They cast quite a spell with the words that they say.
Unless you’re prepared for a time of romance,
Just leave them unopened – don’t take the chance!

But if, on the other hand, love is your goal,
Then eat all the chocolates your tummy can hold!
Hang up paper hearts – make them red, pink and white.
Find someone you care for and hold on real tight.

Give in to heart fever, let in the love bug -
Be sappy, be happy, give affectionate hugs.
Find someone real special and hasten to say,
“I love you! Be mine! Happy Valentine’s Day!”

by Delia Latham