ode to saint valentine

- love is a paradox perplexing mankind-what will surely cause tears and sorrow will ultimately bring true, eternal happiness. -

love is a common theme. we find in love a topic of conversation, a genre for books and poetry, a reason for song, the cause of tears, the motive for joy. we celebrate love with anniversaries and valentine's day. love leads the sweethearts to wed, the couples to kiss, the boys to bring flowers, the girls to blush. we love to love. it is innate.
when the one we love returns affection, an invincible spirit evolves within. with a perpetual smile painted on our face, we find humor in just about everything. the jokes they tell seem funnier, the clothes they wear more stylish, those things they do oh, so romantic. close friends call us crazy, but we don't seem to mind, or even notice. truly love engulfs its members in a whole new world.
if misfortune raises its ugly head, the love might begin to fade. the kind words they once spoke become biting, their conversations seem boring, time shared is time wasted. friend's comments were never so insensitive, and everyone talks behind our back. love's rosy world quickly escapes us, and we are left isolated in cold, dark misery.
then, from behind the winter grey, emerges a promising spring. with trees full of blossom, birds busy chirping, and bees busy buzzing, nature reminds us of another sphere. the world comes to life, and hope is revived. we begin to smile, and speak with strangers again. we are aware of what goes on around us, and are constantly watching, waiting and hoping to love and be loved once more.
i extend this ode to saint valentine and his day of love. thank you for a reason to send boxes of chocolates, bouquets of flowers, and metallic helium balloons. let us love, and love a lot; for saint valentine's day comes but once a year.