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.
