My Grandfather Chose February 14th by Lois Perch Villemaire

Of three birthdates 

I discovered on Ancestry, 

none was February 14th.

Why did he select it? 

To me, it was obvious,

Sam was the ultimate romantic.

He penned daily love notes 

in flowery script to my grandmother 

she saved them forever.

Good morning my dearest sugar-plum! 

I am most thankful to have you by my side 

on this gorgeous morning. 

Who could ask for more? 

I love you more each day with the greatest love! 

Your lover-boy, Sammy

This is great stuff!

On their 50th wedding anniversary he wrote:

Thank God we made it to 50 golden years! 

To my darling wife, Polly:

Thank you for 50 years of harmony and bliss. 

Your ever-loving, Sammy

He often said to us—

Tell your grandmother how beautiful she is! 

Valentine's Day. Why did he select it? 

To me, it was obvious, 

Sam was the ultimate romantic.

Lois Perch Villemaire of Annapolis, MD is the author of My Eight Greats (2023) and a chapbook Eyes at the Edge of the Woods (Bottlecap Press 2024). Her work has appeared in Spillwords Press, The Ekphrastic Review, Third Street Review, and elsewhere. Her poetry and flash memoir have been included in a number of anthologies including “I Am My Father’s Daughter.” She is a contributing writer to AARP The Ethel. Lois, a Pushcart nominee researches family history, volunteers at the local library, and propagates African violets.