Valentine

By Christianez Dennis

Today you want me to

Tell you that your eyes glow

Like fireflies on a lonely night.

That your wine-soaked lips gleam like sin

And my lust soars to unheard-of heights.

You want me to tell you that you’re the most beautiful person I’ve ever seen But lover, it doesn’t sound right.

Today I want to

Tell you that your crooked mouth and the mirth behind

Always brings a smile to mine.

That your eyes don’t glow, they burn

With ferocity and passion divine.

That, your love and rage are make-up enough.

That your integrity is your beauty sublime.

Today you want me to

Tell you that it’s all silken smooth

That it was, but the most natural course

That you’re the salve to my wounds, the balm to my scars

And that my demons tremble at your feet with remorse

You want me to tell you that you’re exactly the person I’ve always wanted But lover, I find these words overused and coarse.

Today I want to

Tell you that there were struggles, pain and second thoughts

But we’ve made it here because I chose you

That there are wounds that I’ve hidden in the darkness of my soul

I’ve been reopening them so that I can face them with you.

That sometimes you don’t understand me (nobody could)

But I’m staying for those times that you did and will do.

Today you want me to

Promise you the tomorrow that I have never known.

Tell you that your flaws don’t grate on my nerves.

That you make my heart light up in the darkest of times.

And that you are more than I would ever deserve.

I suppose I could tell you the things you want me to

But lover, I can’t, because they aren’t true.

Today I want to

Tell you that though, I can’t change the surprises that dawn tomorrow

Or slur and stretch the wheel of time.

Though your flaws remain flaws despite joy or sorrow

I had chosen you, have and will do, dear lover mine.

Then again, I suppose I could tell you that you’re the most beautiful person I have ever seen.

Because nobody ever did want an honest valentine…

By Christianez Dennis