The legend says St. Valentine
Was in a prison cell …
Thinking of his little flock
He had always loved so well.
And wanting to assure them
Of his friendship and his love …
He picked a bunch of violets
And sent them by a dove.
And on the violets’ leaves
He pierced these lines divine …
That simply said, “I Love You,”
And “I’m your Valentine!”
So through the years that followed
From that day unto this …
Folks still send messages of love
And seal them with a kiss.
Because a Saint in prison
Reached through prison bars one day,
And picked a bunch of violets
And sent them out to say …
That faith and love can triumph
No matter where you are
For faith and love are greater
Than the strongest prison bar.
Helen Steiner Rice
May you all have a wonderful Valentine's Day!