I know, the most romantic day of the year. But is it? The true meaning of the occasion has been lost in the commercial vacuum that today's society has become. I'm sure cardmakers, florists and chocolatiers love the day, and I bet there are people who think they do too. But why do you need a special day to show your love? Shouldn't love be a 365-day deal?
The first written Valentine's was by the imprisoned Charles, Duke of Orleans in 1415 - to his wife. He wrote over 500 poems to her, but she died before he was released, 24 years later.
RONDEL
Strengthen, my Love, this castle of my heart,
And with some store of pleasure give me aid,
For Jealousy, with all them of his part,
Strong siege about the weary tower has laid.
Nay, if to break his bands thou art afraid,
Too weak to make his cruel force depart,
Strengthen at least this castle of my heart,
And with some store of pleasure give me aid.
Nay, let not Jealousy, for all his art
Be master, and the tower in ruin laid,
That still, ah Love! thy gracious rule obeyed.
Advance, and give me succour of thy part;
Strengthen, my Love, this castle of my heart.
Now, that's romance.
