Today is Valentine’s Day and to gain some insight on this celebration we are joined by St. Valentine himself, who was kind enough to answer a few questions for us.
St. Valentine: It’s my pleasure Kenny, and I want to wish everyone a wonderful day today, filled with warmth and affection.
Kenny: I was going to ask you for your thoughts about the holiday of which you are the patron, but I get the sense you are well pleased with it?
St. Valentine: Oh I am! It was Chaucer, of course, who gave the day its focus on love and romance. The Parlement of Foules is one of my very favorite poems. I love the beginning!
A gardyn saw I, ful of blosmy bowes,
Upon a river, in a grene mede,
Ther as swetnesse evermore y-now is,
With floures whyte, blewe, yelowe, and rede;
We are all the better for spending time in such gardens with those we love, even if only in a dream.
Kenny: That really is a lovely passage! How do you feel about the Holiday itself as we celebrate it today?
St. Valentine: Well, I like the exchange of cards, something physical. Maybe I’m dating myself, being from from the 3rd century, but I do think too much communication today is ephemeral, and to me Valentine’s Day is all about the expression of permanence.
Kenny: Not at all. I couldn’t agree more. Are there any Valentine’s Day traditions you particularly like.
St. Valentine: I favor the idea of reading something to your loved one, either something you’ve written yourself or a favorite passage.
Kenny: That is a nice idea. Can you share another favorite passage with us?
St. Valentine: Sure. This is from Prometheus Bound!
Music is in the sea and air,
Winged clouds soar here and there,
Dark with the rain new buds are dreaming of:
Tis Love, all Love!
Kenny: Thank you so much!
St. Valentine: Not at all!