Valentine poem

Dear Valentine by James J. Metcalfe from his book, Poem Portraits, 1953 Edition, was his first book of verse and whose “love portraits are those of a person in love once and in love forever.”  Metcalfe wrote 10 books of poems for all occasions — love, life, home, faith, patriotism, friendship and prayers — all in rhythmic form. In the ‘50s and ‘60s, his poems appeared in more than 100 newspapers in the US, Canada, Mexico and Ireland and were used in Hallmark greeting cards.

Dear Valentine

By James J. Metcalfe

Deep in my heart, dear valentine I love you every day

Deep in my heart I try to find, the words I want to say.

 You are my every joy in life, each happy song I sing

You are my faith and courage, you are my everything.

 There is so much my darling, that I long to do for you

To lighten all your burdens, and to prove my love is true.

 I wish that I could paint your dreams, and make them soft and sweet

I wish that I could gather stars, and lay them at your feet.

 I want you, darling, every day, I want you to be mine

Because you mean the world to me, my own dear valentine.

Prayer to Saint Valentine

We honor you St. Valentine, who died a martyr’s death

We want to be like you on earth, with every deed and breath

Help us to keep our wedded vows, whatever life may bring

And in our love for God, to be prepared for anything.