A True Valentine's Day

Yes, it’s that time of year again.

You are expected to swear your heart

to me and to me alone. But it’s too

cliché I think. Don’t give me your heart.

Do not give it to me and I will not

ask you to either. Not yet. It is too early

to give into clichés. But I do have one

request. Please give me your ears.

Yes, your ears before your heart. I want

to know what I sound like to you, what

kind of music you love. And please, while

we are at it; I would like your eyes.

Let me see you through your eyes. Let me see

where they wander, and show me all that

they have seen. Yes, that’s not cliché

at all. And please, may I have your hand?

Show me your hand and its scars and

bruises. Show me all the places you’ve

been and the other hands it’s held. I want

to hold it too. May I have your hand?

Yes, I would like your ears, eyes, and hands

before I have your heart. Please give me

a love that I can see and touch, and I will

trust you, and myself, with our hearts.