In the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin
A weathered skull canonized, wreathed with a crown of fresh cut flowers
Of Terni lay the relic of the venerated Valentin
Beneath an almond tree by his grave Julia would pass the hours
She would unfold and read the little heart shaped scrap of parchment
A testament of love she kept in her bodice next to her breast
The night before his execution he penned heart felt sentiment
That was hand delivered by a sympathetic Asterius
Having been cured of her loss of sight Julia could read the note
And for this she was ever indebted falling deeply in love
Her heart would swell, upon each syllable she would silently dote
While upon a branch among the pink blossoms there perched a white dove
She would read and reread, read again and reread each line divine
Until she arrived at those final words…”Always, Your Valentine”
Poet's Corner 