.

                THE AUTHORITY

He entered the store on shuffling feet
and headed for the display
of beautiful frilly valentines
to honor this special day.

With trembling hands he reached for one,
and read the verse inside.
Somehow it didn't meet his demands,
so he gently put it aside.

One after another he'd read a card
and then would put it back.
He just couldn't find the one he sought,
though he read every card in the rack.

"You sure are choosy," I gently remarked,
as I stood there by his side.
Tears came to his eyes as he turned to me,
and in a soft voice replied.

"Yes, I am choosy, as you say,"
and he smiled at me through his tears.
"For I'm an authority on valentines,
I've lived with one for fifty years!"



© 2-12-96
Patricia A. Kellemeyer