VALENTINE

When silverfish have eaten up

Your backless dresses’ fronts,

And frankly even what is left

Is not what it was once;

And a man approached with pity

Attacks you with his crutch—

You think life has no meaning,

Or at least not very much—

Oh then it’s time to rally,

Then it’s time to shine.

Then you might remember

You are my Valentine.

When both your fiancés depart,

And cite your double chins,

And what was ecstasy à trois

Is you, expecting twins;

And someone’s tied you to a chair

And no one hears you yelling,

And all the golden plans you’ve laid

Appear not to be jelling—

Oh then it’s time to rally,

Then it’s time to shine.

Then you might remember

You are my Valentine.