Roses are red, violets are blue… Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and I don’t know what to do. If you’re anything like me, romantic gestures are a foreign concept. Between boombox blasting and bouquets of roses, it feels impossible to come up with something romantic while staying genuine. Here’s my saving grace: I’m a writer. I may not be great at picking out a cute gift or sprinkling rose petals on the bed, but I can work my magic with words. That’s why I opt for a meaningful gift in the form of a poem—read on for five love poems that will knock your significant other off their feet!
I Carry Your Heart with Me | E.E. Cummings
If you like the idea of someone carrying your heart around, you’ll LOVE the idea of them carrying it in their own heart. Gah. E.E. Cummings sure knows how to woo with words. This poem uses terms of affection like “my darling,” “my sweet,” and “my true,” so it’s perfect for those of us who have a hard time showing that we care—we really do, I swear!
Untitled | Christopher Poindexter
“The words I love you could never be enough. I suppose we’ll have to invent new ones.” This poem sings to the souls of writers because we know the agony of not being able to put something (especially love) into words. Luckily, Christopher Poindexter does the job for you with this poem.
Proximity | Michael Faudet
Author of Bitter Sweet Love and Cult of Two, Michael Faudet has established himself as a god of romance in the world of poetry. His poem, Proximity, is a great read for anyone who is dealing with distance. In a nutshell, it says that no matter where you are or where you go, your hearts belong together—and that’s where they’ll be. Can we get an “Awww”?
Excerpt from The Dark Between Stars | Atticus
Some people like to think about the universe—others like to question it. If existential philosophy is the hallmark of your relationship, a poem by Atticus may be just the way to express your love. I can’t guarantee that this poem will make everyone swoon, but it’s perfect for your significant other if they’re into philosophy, astronomy, or… dust and atoms? Coming from a love skeptic, I thought this was pretty dang cute.
Excerpt from Pillow Thoughts | Courtney Peppernell
Courtney Peppernell is one of those poets that makes you think, “Man, I should try out poetry.” She makes it look easy because she’s real. In her book, Pillow Thoughts, she tackles every element of love—from crushes to heartbreak and everything in between. This poem is a delightful read that expresses happiness and gratitude for a significant other. We all have that one person we keep going back to—whether we like it or not—and sometimes, it feels right to let them know that.
Whether you’re a total cheeseball or a V-day hater, there’s at least one poem out there that resonates with you. Feeling really romantic? Give it a try on your own—who knows what kinds of rhymes you could come up with!
