The day came and went many times before-
At times when on four I walked, when I mumbled my first words,
And at times when through the schools I toiled-
Yes, the day came and went, and never I thought twice.
And when love came, O, the day seemed so trifle-
Why, every day was a St. Valentine!
So, what comes now, I ask, this thirteenth of February?
Will tomorrow the sun rise in west?
Or will night turn day, and day night?
I think the sun will rise in east,
But with a new shine,
A new heat,
And well light up my day brighter,
Will add warmth to my bulging love for her.

Yes, the new sunrise is but hours away,
And what will I say?
Have I not said ‘I love you’ a million times before,
O, should I risk saying the same and make her sore?
What else is there that’s to her is still unknown,
Which part of my life and heart is still virgin,
What confession is still unmade?
I know not.
And what shall I give her to make her smile-
I gave all that was mine:
[Just this life is left,
And I would give it if she would smile]
Oh dear, so poor I lie amid the toils of my generous heart,
Then how with poorer hands I depart?

Can you feel this fluttering heart
That so wishes to fly?
Do you hear this beating heart
Which writes your name in purple?
Oh, do you see how helpless I lie
When you asked me not to knock your door?
But how can you stop me,
When your ears are yearning for words threescore,
When your cheeks are flushed pink, and eyes are closed?
Have you not dreamt of this day to come
When we would walk hand in hand,
When it would mean nothing if the sun set in east,
When my breath would be the only breeze to tease your hair,
When my pulse would be the only music you hear?
And if yes, how can I bely such dreams?
-13\2\99,Calcutta-63

COMMENTS :

The lover has been asked by his mistress not to call her on the Lover’s day. But the lover is in a dilemma. He wonders- was she earnest, or was she teasing me? He contemplates everything and comes to the realisation that the girl would be waiting to hear from him when the special day comes.

See: On St. Valentine