02/14/2026
As I was writing a Valentine's poem for the wife, I was researching the origin of the day. I ended up writing a poem geared towards that and I like how it came out.
"Saint to spending"
Valentine's day
was once Lupercalia.
Originating in Rome,
nowhere near Australia.
Meant to bring about fertility
with the year's end.
The purpose?
To make babies.
T'was quite the trend.
Pairs were matched up
by picking names from hats.
Animals were sacrificed;
their hides used as bats.
Preparing for the new year,
growing the next generation.
Purifying the city
worthy of a celebration.
The pope took offense
to a holiday for a pagan.
Renamed it for Valentine;
a saint in the making.
Valentine was a priest
performing secret unions.
Keeping love alive,
when love was in ruins.
Claudius was irate,
he had outlawed marriage.
"To the gallows!" he said,
shoving Valentine in a carriage.
Fom his dungeon he scribed,
penning a most famous of line.
Signing his loving farewell,
"From your Valentine".
Gelasius turned him saint,
a martyr for religion.
Then Chaucer came along,
adding romance by the smidgen.
The day slowly evolved,
to showings of love.
Chocolates, hearts, or gifts?
Just buy all the above.
Alas, the day has been taken,
hijacked by spending money.
But don't forget the intent,
showering love on your honey.