The Essence Of A Valentine Poem by Christine K. Trease

Have you ever made a Valentine?
Nor have I, but my folks made one fine.
Not with paper or glitter of gold,
Not with ribbons or a single fold
Not the process by which a card is made
It's more about moments and love not betrayed
Moments when mother embraced her fate
Through an open window where dad lay in wait
Although she thought we were fast asleep
We were watching them spoon on the sandy beach
Sitting together they talked and they listened
As the lapping waters shimmered and glistened
Shadowed by youthful mistakes from the past
They rose and created a love meant to last
They molded a family from one, two and three
Like precious dew drops on the heartstrings of we
A we that is made of so much more
Than one family or two, and bound to endure.
All of these moments, not “yours” or “mine”
Created the essence of this true life Valentine.