Dear Valentine

My Valentine to You, O Lord, is cheap,
it did not cost me even just one penny,
yet here so dear this promise I must keep,
this valentine of faith can cost me plenty.

Humility and courage cost my pride,
it’s hard for me to love You more than me,
to help me face my selfishness inside--
this hero known for his love and loyalty.

When Rome stopped Christian matrimony true,
priest Valentine married them secretly,
caught Valentine, they made a saint of you,
the “patron saint of lovers” you would be.

Dear Valentine your martyrdom severe
shows that love’s valentine can be so dear.

                      by Pete Voelz       2/14/15