For the Birds

by Bob Dougherty

                             Epigraph:  In 1382 poet Geoffrey Chaucer wrote Parliament of Fowls, celebrating the first                    anniversary of the engagement of King Richard II of England and Anne of Bohemia.  It contained the line, "For this was on saint Valentine's day, when every bird cometh there to choose his mate".  This is the first known written reference to St. Valentine's Day as having a romantic social context in society. 

 
honor Chaucer for St. Valentine’s Day
the day when fowl of fine feather found mates
now lovebirds tweet notes or text things risqué
 
ancient Greeks had Eros   to whom to pray
or they tossed their helpless hearts to the Fates
honor Chaucer for St. Valentine’s Day
 
remember this day or your heart will pay
the love of your life has a mind for dates
now lovebirds tweet notes or text things risqué
 
a poem penned for May   now sparks winter play
the look   touch and words   the heart palpitates
honor Chaucer for St. Valentine’s Day
 
roses   candy   diamonds on layaway
retailers remind — romance resonates
now lovebirds tweet notes or text things risqué
 
how plain without this feathery foray
all of February would be — for dates
honor Chaucer for St. Valentine’s Day
now lovebirds tweet notes or text things risqué