Because You Have Been Valentines

Because You Have Been “Valentines”
Owen Kristian Widmer
For my precious Mom and Dad, on Valentines Day
February 14, 2003



Because you have been “Valentines.”
Because you have been lovers.`
Because you said “I do”,
And made love beneath the covers.

Because you have been “Valentines.”
Because you loved each other.
Because you had a family,
And became a “father”, “mother.”

You now have nine great branches
Upon your family tree.
All because you have been “Valentines,”
And said “I sure love thee.”

First you were a couple.
Cupid’s arrow sure had struck.
The vows you said in fifty-two,
For fifty years have stuck.

In fifty-seven, you numbered three,
And by sixty there were four.
Then your children found their lovers,
And their spouses were two more.

Then the babies started coming.
The last one totaled five.
Now eleven get in two big cars -
Just to take a drive!

Because you have been “Valentines.”
Because you’ve shared a life.
Because Dad’s been a “husband.”
And Mom, you’ve been a “wife.”

Because you have been “Valentines.”
Because you joined your hearts.
Because you have been lovers,
And succumbed to Cupid’s darts.

Because you have been “Valentines,”
And though you’ve now an “empty nest,”
This “eagle” soaring on his own,
Rises up and calls you “blessed.”