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A Soldier's Valentine

Just from the sentry's tramp
 (I must take it again at ten),
I have laid my musket down,
 And seized instead my pen;
For, pacing my lonely round
 In the chilly twilight gray,
The thought, dear Mary, came,
 That this is St. Valentine's Day.

And with the thought there came
 A glimpse of the happy time
When a school-boy's first attempt
 I sent you, in borrowed rhyme,
On a gilt-edged sheet, embossed
 With many a quaint design,
And signed, in school-boy hand,
 "Your loving Valentine."

The years have come and gone,—
 Have flown, I know not where, —
And the school-boy's merry face
 Is grave with manhood's care;
But the heart of the man still beats
 At the well-remembered name,
And on this St. Valentine's Day
 His choice is still the same.

There was a time— ah, well!
 Think not that I repine
When I dreamed this happy day
 Would smile on you as mine;
But I heard my country's call;
 I knew her need was sore.
Thank God, no selfish thought
 Withheld me from the war.

But when the dear old flag
 Shall float in its ancient pride,
When the twain shall be made one,
 And feuds no more divide,—
I will lay my musket down,
 My martial garb resign,
And turn my joyous feet
 Toward home and Valentine.

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Comments

  • Lovespoon
    February 14, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    Interesting poem. I was just reading about types of love poems.

    This is most definately a mixture of Carpe Diem love poem and a The obstacle love poem and Absent Love love poem.

    Excellent choice for valentine's day, Unbridled1.

  • oneluckygirl
    February 14, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    Usually, this poem would barely touch me, but after witnessing a colleague of mine cry unabashedly yesterday at receiving flowers from her husband who is away at war, I find myself doubly moved. I read it with her eyes today - and cry just as unabashedly. His card said simply "Counting the days". If all goes well, they can cry together in 100 days.

    Just an example of how some themes never change - in love or war.

    Jane

  • Desiree Darkk
    February 13, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    Look how clean this piece is.
    Someone did a fine job of editing this one.
    I've read this piece many times but I have to tell you I'm not a big fan of Valentine's Day. I think it's a big corporate holiday meant to get the halmark's off to a good year....retail wise. But I like Horatio Alger Jr poetry. This just isn't his best or maybe it just doesn't appeal to my romantic sense.

    Desiree

    I READ HORATIO
    Edited on Feb 13, 4:07 p.m. because ''.