Valentine's Hope

I've focused on this evening
For near a fortnight now
Each element planned to perfection
Every detail intended to wow

I admit that in the past
My efforts have been wanting
To pack my feelings to a single night
At the very least was daunting

But not this time I was proud to say
I would dazzle her every sense
A night complete with all her favorites
Sparing no expense

With a rose in my teeth, two goblets in hand
and attired in a rented tux
She passed me bye, slumped on the couch
and rambled of how her job sucks

I offered some wine, she said "not tonight
This day has left me too tired
I must review these reports, then get some rest
Or tomorrow I'll surely be fired"

As I watched her wearily climb the stairs
I felt a wave of somber dismay
I extinguished all the candle light
and sent the cellist away.

As I gazed at all my wasted effort
I felt an angry rush
She didn't acknowledge the time I had spent
Just left me alone in the hush

As hours passed I realized
My anger was surely misplaced
I remembered that smile she shows only to me
and all of my pain was erased

I went upstairs to check on my sweet.
and give what support I could
If I could reach inside and relieve her stress
God knows I certainly would

Atop our pedal covered bed
In a state of grace she slept
Clutching the poem I had left on her pillow
still soaked with the tears she had wept

I placed a blanket upon her
and wiped away her tear
then closed my eyes to imagine
How to dazzle my love next year.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Cheesman Avatar
December 8, 2012 at 6:58 AM
Oh Joe...this is so good...i almost had tears reading how your efforts had gone so unnoticed...then those last two stanzas omg....wow. Well done - Shaz
Brown Avatar
February 25, 2011 at 10:12 AM
Congratulations Joe,on your win in Joyce Johnson's contest "Emotional Response". Love, Carol
Tongco Avatar
February 23, 2011 at 6:55 PM
is there ever such a man in real life?congrats on the win! ^_^
Guzzi Avatar
February 23, 2011 at 4:46 PM
what a man!! really no kidding...what a man..Congrad's Light & Love
Righting Riley - Shauna Riley Avatar
February 23, 2011 at 6:10 AM
ooh love this...congrats on the win!!
Sweetheart Avatar
February 23, 2011 at 4:26 AM
Congrats Joe on your terrific win in Joyce's contest with this dynamic entry luv.. enjoy your 2nd place win with luv..
Taylor Avatar
February 22, 2011 at 8:39 PM
Congrats on a well deserved win, Joe. Nice going. Ralph
Mannan Avatar
February 22, 2011 at 8:19 PM
Hey Joe this takes my heart. What a loving write.Many warm congrats for this win.
Pettit Avatar
February 22, 2011 at 8:16 PM
Way to go, Joe! Congratulations on winning in Joyce's contest with this entry. It looked like a winner the first time I saw it.
Onclaud Avatar
February 22, 2011 at 7:45 PM
stunning and sweet as life's breath.. can all men be like you, joe?? hearfelt APPLAUSE for the win! :) huggs, nette
Johnson Avatar
February 22, 2011 at 7:21 PM
I lvoed this romantic gesture and your sensitivity your tired wife. Lovely. congratulations. Love, Joyce
Mac Donald Avatar
February 21, 2011 at 4:51 AM
Another wonder, Joe. Paints a tender and compassionate scene. Nothing shadey nor dark...only glimmers of hope. A very touching write. Best to you and yours, love, Mikki
R Avatar
February 20, 2011 at 7:26 PM
lovely read.
Devonshire Avatar
February 20, 2011 at 7:23 PM
Joe, you are a thoughtful and compassionate man. Some fellas just leave when a women is under stress. You not only forgave her for not recognizing all the effort you put into making the night special, but tucked her in and wiped away her tears. Surely she regretted having felt such job-related stress on Valentine's Day. Only a special man could understand this and start planning was to "dazzle her next year." Awesome entry for Joyce's contest. She's going to love this one! Love, Carolyn
Pettit Avatar
February 20, 2011 at 5:34 PM
Did this really happen this year? You have described this incident so well with your words and rhyme. You place any reader in a vicarious experience.
Gorelick Avatar
February 20, 2011 at 5:11 PM
I enjoyed this one...I can just picture this..and the sweet moment of reconciliation. BG
Kendrick Avatar
February 20, 2011 at 4:49 PM
Kind of sad but a hopeful uplifting at the end..Enjoyed your story in poetic style..Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my work..Sara
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace