My Life in a Card

An awkward child,

I was in awe of those huge red cards

The boxed variety with the satin, padded hearts

That my sister received in the post.

I soon learnt the game

Not signing the card

Looking at his face

Wondering if he’d guessed.

Before I knew why or how

The card had lost its meaning.

I’d buy it in-between feeding the babies

Doing the school run

Surviving

until I knew

without a doubt

that my marriage

was broken

And it would take more

much more

than a red heart

on a card

for it to mend.

I never planned it but love came again

And all the better for the passing of time.

Two cards on the mantelpiece

Signed because we know.

A teddy with a red bow

A meal at home for two.

Happy Valentine’s Day, Mr A.