VINCENT’S VALENTINE VEXATION

by Linda S Barth

(a sequel to Catherine’s Chocolate Challenge, December Holidays Challenge 2021)

It’s February the fourteenth,
But all is very far from well.
For in his chamber far Below
Dear Vincent is going through hell.

This special night’s intended for
Best friends and sweet lovers and such,
But just what has Vincent planned on?
Unfortunately, not too much.

But it’s not as if he’d tarried,
Or forgotten about the date.
He has tried his best but sadly
Total failure has been his fate.

Finding a gift for Catherine
Turned into a terrible plight.
Of all the things he has thought of
Not even one seems to be right.

Another book of poetry?
A crystal? Been there, done that, too.
He could write a lovely letter –
Or a Valentine IOU.

He knows she would surely savor
Any gift that comes from his heart,
But while his world is wonderful,
It’s no place for a shopping cart.

He knows the stores Above are filled
With sweet arrays of special treats,
Silky, lacy, and be-ribboned –
He blushes with delicious heat.

Then groans and moans and stamps his feet,
So distraught he can barely think.
He growls out loud with frustration —
This Valentine’s Day really stinks!

Then that word, while so unpleasant,
Gives him inspiration at last.
For a gift that smells of sweetness,
But time’s short and he needs it fast!

He knows Catherine loves chocolate,
As does he, in every way.
They had proved that last December
On Chocolate Anything Day.

So, he sprints off to the kitchen,
Begs friend William for crucial aid,
And before long it is ready —
Now Valentine’s Day will be saved!

Soon on her candlelit terrace
With the cake box so tightly gripped,
Vincent lands very carefully,
Quite relieved that he hadn’t tripped.

Catherine claps her hands in glee —
Cries, What a wonderful surprise!
He smiles, then sighs with great relief,
He’s still a hero in her eyes.

What happens next, you long to ask,
Well, it’s time for us to depart.
Our lovers need their privacy
To savor matters of the heart.

So, we’ll say farewell and let them
Enjoy an evening quite divine,
Brave Vincent and sweet Catherine,
His one and only Valentine.