Ode to
Valentine's Day
One man can change the world, or so they say.
His fortitude is testified worldwide.
How vividly our history books portray
How heroes overcame the sin and pride
Of wicked empires and corrupted kings.
The Bible its disciples has to laud
And Joshua's praises still the maiden sings,
While Joseph was at Pharaoh's court implored.
Gifted by God, his dream interpretation
Bought his release from shame, shackle, and chain
Of Madam Potiphar's manipulation
And set him over Egypt's realm to reign.
The minstrels sing of Good King Alfred's fame
Who put the Norsemen's prowess to the foil.
Once scolded by the matron Gaelic dame,
He swept the Vikings from his native soil.
There's Luther who brought low the papal bull
Declaring freedom with his witty pen.
Of such bright bachelors hist'ry is full.
Though later wed, they'd made their mark by then.
Joseph received the hand of Asenath,
The Pharaoh's priestly Poti-pherah's daughter
Having prevailed already on God's path
And given his eleven brothers quarter.
And Luther left the Wormish Diet pun
Before he married at age 41
To Katharina, an escapee nun
So still he testifies the power of one.
Such consolation calm my troubled soul,
For on this Valentine's Day I am sole.
Feb. 14, 2001
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