I look upon the posters taped to every wall

They scream happiness in red and pink

Affection wrapped in glittering hearts

The words dipped in sugary puns

Threatening the very word ‘love’ itself

For love was never meant to be stamped and sold.

 

I look upon the faces next to me

Fingers laced tightly as they cling to the ones they love

Do they not realize how quickly names dissolve?

Won’t today’s devotion fade by morning?

 

I look upon my family

My mother, my father

Flowers wilt upon her dresser, crumpled love notes upon his

But when this day is done, it resumes just the same

The same arguing over the morning cup of coffee

The same quiet crying in the bathroom.

 

I look upon love itself

Tender, sweet, and delicate

Like a box of heart-shaped chocolates too soft to hold their shape

Its gooey remains splattered

For the love they had, completely lost.

 

And finally, I look upon myself

Utterly disgusted by the fake feelings of Valentine’s Day

Convincing myself that yes, it’s about self-love

That it’s taking the idea of friendship and making it forged

Meaningless.

 

Yet secretly, I look upon it further

And there’s a part of me that can’t pretend

The part everyone feels on this day and dares not ignore.

 

Oh, my heart

My heart

Is longing for something

I can’t hold.