Love Poems for Anniversary, Valentine's Day, or Just Because

Nothing says "I love you" better than a Valentine love poem. True love poetry is rare, though in times of love and passion, we feel overwhelmed and eager to express our emotions.

Let's face it: love poems can be kind of mushy and sentimental. So are love songs. But that doesn't mean we can't still love them, does it? The songs that may strike a more cynical type as down right trashy may be the one that lifts your spirits and makes you want to fly.

A Valentine poem can affect you the same way. Words of love are supposed to be intimate and special to the one to whom you are speaking. So who cares if someone else finds your poem to be mushy. If the one you love hears the words coming from you in the right frame of mind, the words will touch his (or her) heart, and that's what counts. 

Go ahead: put your feelings of love into words. Don't be shy or embarrassed. This is not a creative writing contest; it's an expression of your feelings, and those feelings are yours alone.

To begin with, write down all the things that come to mind when you think of your beloved. Doesn't matter what it sounds like at first, and definitely don't worry about whether or not it rhymes! Just free write what she/he looks like, sounds like, smells like, feels like to the touch. Write her/his good qualities down, the things that distinguish her/him in your mind. Focus on how she/he makes you feel. Write down a special memory. It doesn't have to be out of the ordinary; sometimes the simple memories are what touch our hearts the most. If you want, you can compare her/him to something else -- but don't push this one too hard. It's better to write about an image that comes to mind -- her hair, her hands, what it feels like when she touches you.

And remember, this is Valentine's Day, and these words are for her/him alone, so honesty and intimacy are what you're looking for, not flowery language that could be about anyone at all. These words you are writing are for this particular woman/man, so write them as if she/he were the only other person in the world.

Good luck! I'm sure your efforts will be accepted as heartfelt and true. Slip them into a card or slip them under the pillow.

Some people feel more comfortable expressing deep feelings with humor. Yes, it may sometimes feel like a cover-up to the beloved, but if humor helps you express your feelings the only way you can, then go for it!

Laughter can make you feel good, as does love. And it may be easier for you to write a silly poem than a deep heartfelt one. At least you are expressing feelings, and that in itself is good.

How to Write Love Poems
Advice from Poets

How Do You Know a Poem Is a Poem?
Even if it doesn't rhyme?