ODE TO ST. VALENTINE

Today, fourteenth, February,

The world will put aside all rivalry,

When we pay the highest tribute,

To mankind's noblest attribute.

As we celebrate our mutual passion,

It should come to our attention,

The origin of this great story of love,

A gift bestowed from heaven above.

It started with Valentinus, the Saint,

Whose reputation the Romans taint.

For fulfilling his religious function,

He endured prison and persecution.

Knowing his jailor's daughter's blind,

All he wanted was to be kind.

So, by his miracle, the girl was healed,

But, in so doing, his fate was sealed.

On the night before his beheading,

His legend was set in writing.

In a farewell note so fine,

He signed: "From Your Valentine!"

So, as we celebrate his death today,

To our appreciation there's no delay, 

For this Saint and God's servant,

This day forever, we'll be observant!

A DEDICATION TO MY DEAR FATHER

1925 - 2014

My dear loving and well-loved dad,
You had lived so cleanly like a fine lad.

Though now we're all naturally sad,

Admiration for you comforts us a tad.

Thanks for everything we ever had.

Your loyalty to us a constant, not a fad.

You used to work so hard, as if mad. 

That's why our lives were never bad.

Writing your quiet story on my iPad,

It's like a great novel still unread.

Your life's fullness makes me glad,

To it, there's nothing more I could add!