He was born on a Valentine’s Day
back when there was only four TV channels.
His hair was a bouquet of roses
and his fingernails chocolates
he would one day nibble when stressed.
He only ever wore red.
He made cards for the things in his house:
Will you be my Valentine, rug?
Will you be my Valentine, spoon?
Will you be my Valentine, egg?
People called him Cupid, but he was real,
just ask the strangers he shot with a smile
when he realised they were looking his way.

© Carl Burkitt 2023