A Valentine

by Edgar Allan Poe — a poem card from Justes Mots

A clever acrostic poem that hides the recipient's name within its lines, celebrating her luminous eyes and inviting her to discover three hidden words of poetic devotion. An early Poe work demonstrating wordplay and romantic flattery through formal constraint. Ideal for a Valentine's greeting that flatters through intellectual engagement and hidden meaning.

For her this rhyme is penned, whose luminous eyes,
Brightly expressive as the twins of Leda,
Shall find her own sweet name, that nestling lies
Upon the page, enwrapped from every reader.
Search narrowly the lines!, they hold a treasure
Divine, a talisman, an amulet
That must be worn at heart. Search well the measure,
The words, the syllables! Do not forget…

Themes: love · new-baby · wedding · friendship