Valentine Poems

Poems by pupils in 9V, inspired by Carol Ann Duffy's poem, 'Valentine'


Not a teddy bear nor a golden ring.

I give you a flame.
It is a warm breath of life.
It promises passion,
Like the rutting deer in Spring.

Here,
It will melt your iron heart
Like a blast furnace.
It will brand our hearts
With the promise of devotion.

I am trying to be truthful.

Not a chocolate or a trip for two.

I give you a fire!
It will protect you from darkness,
Loving and possessive.
As we are,
For as long as we are.

Take it.
Its embers will glow in your presence,
Flickering.
Let the flames burn --- but be warned:
If neglected, it will die into ash.

                                           Douglas Mileham


Not a rose or a diamond ring.

I give you a ticket.
It is a treasure printed onto a strip of paper
It promises adventure
Like in the rich, thick stories you've always loved.

Here.
It could take you anywhere
Take you into a dream or nightmare,
It will give you a choice you will never forget
To remind us of the sacrifices made by each of us.

I am trying to be truthful.

Not a cheesy heart or a pink cuddly toy.

I give you a ticket.
So small, so insignificant,
So crucial.
As we are,
For as long as we are.

Take it.
Hold it and keep it forever as a memory
If you want.

Take it.
Let it take you away
Into a fanciful world far away from here,
Far from me
If you like.

                                         Harriet Hammans


Not a box of chocolates or a heart-shaped balloon.

I give you a key.
It is an entry to happiness.
It promises a puzzle,
Like the mystery of my heart.

Here,
It will help you unlock secrets
Like a lovestruck teenage girl.
It will give you a warm home,
One to share with an extra special someone.

I am trying to be truthful.

Not a teddy bear or a dozen roses.

I give you a key.
Its trust and complexity
Helps you gouge into my soul.
As we are,
For as long as we are.

Take it.
Its shiny metal exterior
To resemble a ring upon my finger.

Commitment.
Its story will stay with you forever
And ever.

                                            Lillie Simons

Not a silver key or an Eiffel Tower.

I give you a flame.
It is a warm breath of light,
It promises encouragement,
Like the arrow to guide your way.

Here.
It will bring help
Like a soul lost at night.
It will act as a hint to push you in the right direction.

I am trying to be truthful.

Not a chocolate or a rose.

I give you a book.
It promises and brings great depth,
Happy and passionate as we are.

Take it.

It's a gift of my love and from inside my heart.

Eternity.

It's a vow as long as we are together.

                                          Joe McAuley

Wind on Water
(image: Will Hall)

Not a ring or a kiss

I give you the wind.
It is a gift from God.
It promises strength,
Like the light from the sun.

Here,
It will take you away
Like a cold winter's day.
It will fulfil your needs
And grant you protection.

I am trying to be truthful.

Not a ring or a kiss.

I give you the wind.
It is a gift from God.
It promises strength
As we are
For as long as we are.

Take it.
It's a symbol of my power
And your strength.
Power.
Together we are stronger
And it will remain that way forever.

                                         Will Hall