A valentine to Mel, the computer programmer.
Roses are Red, Violets are Blue, I wish I was out there, Snowed-in with
you.
Stay warm in Minnesota,
Love Terry. (BLIZZARD, WOLF HOWL)
To: Mary B. from David C.
Simple pleasures with you are the great joys of my life. (CORKSCREW, CORK POP, POURING. TASTING. EXHALATION OF PLEASURE.) You hold my heart. I love you.
Monica sends this to John.
To John----
I married you out of desperation
But you turned out to be my best friend
and a playful companion
You bring me back when I sleepwalk.
Sneak up on me in the shower.
Surprise me in the middle of the day with flowers.
But when you die I'll eat all the M&M's I want.
A valentine from Chris in Chicago to a woman in Pocatello
TR: I'm at work here in Chicago. (WIND) You would hate it here, it gets too darn cold. (WIND). We haven't spoken since that terrible phone call on September 7th. (TK WOMAN AT OTHER END OF PHONE, ANGRY, TALKING FAST. WEEPING. THEN CLICK. THEN DIAL TONE). You told me not to call you and I haven't. But I am waiting for you to call. (CLOCK TICKING) I am lost, directionless, unmoored because you are not in my life. (CLOCK STRIKES TWELVE UNDER--.) I am so certain that you are right for me. I think lovingly of you. I miss you. I wish you would claim me as your own. (TRAFFIC PASSING, FOOTSTEPS ON GRITTY STREET) I will wait until you find an answer. There is no expiration date. I am here. In Chicago. In the cold. Waiting. (DISTANT SIREN)
© Garrison Keillor 2003