Almost Valentine’s

By G. Murray Thomas

Two days early
we exchange gag Valentine’s toys
and horror stories of car trouble
lousy jobs
and leaky roofs.Sipping cheap chardonnay
we discuss the absurdity
of holidays,the impossibility of assigned emotions:
on this day you will be happy,
thankful,
in love.When I prepare to leave
your kiss tells me
I should stay.But I have appointments waiting
and the rain tells me
I may already be late.So I drive away
with only the taste
of pink candy
on my tongue.