Valentine

New Criterion, Feb, 2006 by Meredith Bergmann

Valentine

for Doug Knight, 1921-2005, on belatedly hearing of your death and
burial

   Cut out my heart for me
   Who cannot see to aim the scissor.
   The one who'd send you love must send it farther,
   For where you're now, stepfather, every letter's scattered.
   So let the hand of night fold down this sheet and trim it, neatly,
   To shape a grounded tear; then spread it flat for cool or fond
   inscription.
   The form and color will not matter to a soul, for sweetness is the
   point.

   Returned to sender, tattered. Cup a hand around these molded words
   and put
   Them to an ear, or place a phone call to the soil for more
   instruction.
   I'll stick this in your book to mark where nothing may be uttered.
   Some have left messages that pulse the darkness, nightly,
   But half a heart is one that has no future.
   So cut me out and let your mirror
   Rest in little pieces.