How many? How many holidays are to be taken away? Valentines day was once Lupercalia A day to celebrate fertility in honor Of the Roman Gods Now it's looked down on Called a consumer's holiday; A day of romance Either loved or hated; stolen nonetheless
When I am asked how I feel about Valentine's day I look at Christmas; Yule and Saturnalia Easter; Ostara And who knows how many others If you are going to steal a holiday, At least don't make it on the same day
It makes me think Why am I forced to hide On these oppressive days? My religion has been demonized Stolen from and misrepresented for so many years Suffered in witch trials, burned and drowned If we have done so much wrong Then why are you stealing our sacred days? Giving them new names, copying the rest
Our symbols, our holidays, our spells All stolen The cross, Valentine's day, a prayer
When I think about Valentine's day I think about how much has been taken from me And how much it hurts to hide In the shadows of a vilified faith 'Do what you will so long As you harm no other'
Our kindness has been trampled on By the 'generous' faiths With their arms outstretched To ruin and take Rather than forgive and accept Forced into the shadows To practice my religion Wearing my symbols Like chains of shame Looking at my holidays In envy and with heavy heart Happy Valentine's.
I wrote this in response to a Scholarship response, "Write a poem on your thoughts about Valentine's Day."