In spite of commercialism of this day, it’s always a good idea to let people you love, know it.
“Today we are obliged to be romantic
And think of yet another valentine.
We know the rules and we are both pedantic:
Today’s the day we have to be romantic.
Our love is old and sure, not new and frantic.
You know I’m yours and I know you are mine.
And saying that has made me feel romantic,
My dearest love, my darling valentine.”
by Wendy Cope (1945 – )
The one Harvard poet to make his way into the lyrics of indie-rock band Bloc Party, the moving lyricism of E.E. Cummings’ poem makes it a classic.
As a university poet, Cummings’ poetry was always popular with young people, perhaps due to the combination of traditional romance and experimental syntax. The repetitive nature of the poem gives it an almost incantatory quality.
The poem begins:
I carry your heart with me
(I carry it in my heart)
I am never without it
(Anywhere I go you go, my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing, my darling)