A Valentine

written by


« Reload image

Let others wonder what fair face
  Upon their path shall shine,
And, fancying half, half hoping, trace
  Some maiden shape of tenderest grace
  To be their Valentine.

Let other hearts with tremor sweet
  One secret wish enshrine
That Fate may lead their happy feet
  Fair Julia in the lane to meet
  To be their Valentine.

But I, far happier, am secure;
  I know the eyes benign,
The face more beautiful and pure
  Than fancy's fairest portraiture
  That mark my Valentine.

More than when first I singled, thee,
  This only prayer is mine,--
That, in the years I yet shall see.
  As, darling, in the past, thou'll be
  My happy Valentine.

© James Russell Lowell