Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


HER VALENTINE by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY

Poet Analysis

First Line: SOMEBODY'S SENT A FUNNY LITTLE
Last Line: CAN NOT BREATHE THE LIGHTEST WHISPER OF HIS BURNING LOVE FOR ME.
Subject(s): CUPID; FLOWERS; HOLIDAYS; LOVE; ROSES; VALENTINE'S DAY; EROS;

SOMEBODY'S sent a funny little valentine to me.
It's a bunch of baby-roses in a vase of filigree,
And hovering above them -- just as cute as he can be --
Is a fairy cupid tangled in a scarf of poetry.

And the prankish little fellow looks so knowing in his glee,
With his golden bow and arrow, aiming most unerringly
At a pair of hearts so labeled that I may read and see
That one is meant for "One Who Loves," and one is meant for me.

But I know the lad who sent it! It's as plain as A-B-C! --
For the roses they are @3blushing,@1 and the vase stands @3awkwardly,@1
And the little god above it -- though as cute as he can be --
Can not breathe the lightest whisper of his burning love for me.



Home: PoetryExplorer.net