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1849–1916

HER VALENTINE

James Whitcomb Riley

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 blushing, and the vase stands awkwardly, 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.

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HER VALENTINE · James Whitcomb Riley · Poetry Cove