Valentine’s Day is a time to express our deepest feelings for those we hold dear. Whether you’re sharing tender words with a significant other or crafting a playful rhyme for a friend, poetry is the perfect medium for the occasion. In this post, we’ll explore Valentine’s poems, from romantic verses to funny quips, offering inspiration and original works alongside famous love poems. Let’s celebrate the many shades of love with these Valentine’s Day poems for him, her, and everyone in between.
Romantic Valentine’s Poems
Original Poem: “Heartstrings”
By PoetryFocus
Your laughter is my melody, A song that lingers endlessly. Each glance you cast, a thread so fine, That binds your heart forever to mine.
With every moment, love takes flight, A dance of stars in velvet night. In you, I find my world complete, A symphony, so pure, so sweet.
“How Do I Love Thee?” by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
One of the most famous love poems of all time, Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s “How Do I Love Thee?” captures the boundless nature of true love. Here’s an extended excerpt:
“How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love thee to the depth and breadth and height My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight For the ends of being and ideal grace. I love thee to the level of every day’s Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light. I love thee freely, as men strive for right. I love thee purely, as they turn from praise. I love thee with the passion put to use In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith.”
This timeless piece is a testament to the eternal nature of love. Read the full poem here.
Valentine’s Day Poems for Him
Original Poem: “Anchor of My Heart”
By PoetryFocus
In storms of life, you’re my steady ground, A beacon bright when none is found. Your strength, a harbor, calm and true, My Valentine, my heart’s breakthrough.
“She Walks in Beauty” by Lord Byron
While often considered a general ode to beauty, Lord Byron’s “She Walks in Beauty” is an exquisite choice for expressing admiration on Valentine’s Day. Its evocative lines capture the essence of love and adoration:
“She walks in beauty, like the night Of cloudless climes and starry skies; And all that’s best of dark and bright Meet in her aspect and her eyes: Thus mellowed to that tender light Which heaven to gaudy day denies.
And on that cheek, and o’er that brow, So soft, so calm, yet eloquent, The smiles that win, the tints that glow, But tell of days in goodness spent, A mind at peace with all below, A heart whose love is innocent!”
This classic work remains a favorite for its timeless elegance. Read the full poem here.
Valentine’s Day Poems for Her
Original Poem: “Radiance”
By PoetryFocus
You are the sun that lights my skies, A spark of magic in your eyes. With every smile, the world turns gold, A love eternal, strong, and bold.
“A Red, Red Rose” by Robert Burns
Robert Burns’ “A Red, Red Rose” is a quintessential Valentine’s Day poem, overflowing with passion and devotion. Here’s a longer excerpt:
“O my Luve is like a red, red rose That’s newly sprung in June: O my Luve is like the melody That’s sweetly played in tune.
So fair art thou, my bonnie lass, So deep in luve am I; And I will luve thee still, my dear, Till a’ the seas gang dry.
Till a’ the seas gang dry, my dear, And the rocks melt wi’ the sun; I will luve thee still, my dear, While the sands o’ life shall run.”
This poem’s enduring appeal lies in its heartfelt simplicity. Read the full poem here.
Funny Valentine’s Poems
Love doesn’t always have to be serious—a dash of humor can make your Valentine’s Day message all the more memorable. Here’s a lighthearted take on romance.
Original Poem: “Cupid’s Oops”
By PoetryFocus
Cupid aimed his bow at me, But slipped and hit a nearby tree. The squirrel there gave quite a glare, While I just laughed—love’s in the air!
“Valentine” by Wendy Cope
Wendy Cope’s wit shines in her humorous takes on love. Here’s a snippet from her poem “Valentine”:
“My heart has made its mind up And I’m afraid it’s you. Whatever you’ve got lined up, My heart has made its mind up And if you can’t be signed up This year, next year will do.
It’s not a date that’s needed, Or a well-rehearsed advance: It’s just my heart that’s pleaded For a second chance.”
Cope’s playful approach reminds us that love can be both funny and sincere. Read more of her work here.
Love Poems for Valentine’s Day
Original Poem: “Timeless Bond”
By PoetryFocus
Through every age, through time untold, Our love remains, a thread of gold. No distance dims, no years erase, The bond we share, the heart’s embrace.
“i carry your heart with me” by E. E. Cummings
E. E. Cummings’ “i carry your heart with me” is an iconic love poem that perfectly captures the essence of soul-deep connection:
“i carry your heart with me (i carry it in my heart) i am never without it (anywhere i go you go, my dear; and whatever is done by only me is your doing, my darling)
i fear no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet) i want no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true) and it’s you are whatever a moon has always meant and whatever a sun will always sing is you”
Its unique style and profound sentiment make it a beloved Valentine’s choice.
Valentine Rhymes and Short Valentine’s Poems
Sometimes, a simple rhyme or short verse is all you need to convey your feelings. Here are a few bite-sized poems perfect for a Valentine’s Day card.
Original Poem: “Sweetheart”
By PoetryFocus
Roses are red, Violets are blue, Every day’s brighter Because I have you.
Original Poem: “Ever Yours”
By PoetryFocus
Forever is not long enough To show you all my love. But every day, I’ll start anew, To prove my heart belongs to you.
Closing Thoughts
Valentine’s poems are a beautiful way to celebrate the many facets of love—from passionate romance to lighthearted fun. Whether you choose a classic work or pen your own heartfelt verse, the act of sharing poetry can create meaningful connections. This Valentine’s Day, let words weave the magic that turns simple moments into cherished memories.