A Valentine

by Robert Graves (1923) — a poem card from Justes Mots

A passionate love poem in which the speaker renounces all other attractions and desires in favor of exclusive devotion to the beloved. Using hunting and agricultural metaphors, Graves portrays love as a transformative force that renders all other beauties insignificant. The poem's intensity and commitment make it suitable for romantic occasions and expressions of deep devotion.

The hunter to the husbandman
Pays tribute since our love began,
And to love-loyalty dedicates
The phantom kills he meditates.
Let me embrace, embracing you,
Beauty of other shape and hue,
Odd glinting graces of which none
Shone more than candle to your sun,…

Themes: love · new-baby · wedding · friendship