Say It With Valentine's Day Poetry

There are few Valentine's traditions as powerful as a few choice verses of romantic poetry. For those Valentines that are poetically challenged, there are plenty of reference sources where memorable poetic lines can be found.

Like Valentine's Day itself, the use of poetry was a gradual evolution. Most scholars put the Christian priest Valentine who defied Claudius II and married hundreds of couples at the core of the day. On the day of his execution in 270 A.D., the priest sent a note to his jailer's daughter with whom he had developed a fancy. He signed the first Valentine's card "From your Valentine."

Valentine's card was sent on February 14. February 15 was already a Roman holiday called Lupercalia. This day was set aside to honor the fertility of humans and animals.

In England, February 14th was celebrated as the day birds found their lifelong mates. When the three days were merged, February 14th became a day of romantic celebration.

The exchange of Valentine cards is attributed to English poet Geoffrey Chaucer who embellished the bird's ceremonial rites in cards of affection. Chaucer is accredited with creating the idea of exchanging cards. Suddenly the fairly staid Valentine's holiday came alive with poignant prose and poetry attesting affection.

Many of literature's biggest names have contributed to the library of Valentine's Day poems. Thomas D'Urfey wrote:

    "O, my luv's like a red red rose
    That's newly sprung in June
    O my luve's like a melodie
    That's sweetly played in tune."

Joseph Addison put together his own timeless amorous declaration

    "Never so happily in one
    Did heaven and earth combine
    And yet 'tis flesh and blood alone
    That makes her so divine"

Other poets like Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Lord Byron. Ann Bradstreet and Robert Burns have also compiled amorous poems that are still used to this day. There is something uniquely romantic in the creation of a Valentine's Day poem.

Don't be afraid to try your hand at a few lines to boost your Valentine's card. You might be surprised how famous expressions from the past are received today. These poetic works put a stamp of the amorous tradition that has come to signify the most romantic day of the year. Don't be surprised if a few well-chosen lines are read and re-read on February 14th and for days following.

Poetry has a strong, compelling effect on readers and especially romantic readers. While florists have adopted the slogan, "Say it with flowers", we think saying it with poetry will make every Valentine's Day gift more memorable. If you have a message and you want it to be remembered, say it with either your own verses or with lines from some of the world's greatest poets.

Once you've found that perfect verse, why not create your own personalised Valentine's Day card?