Author: Eugene Field
Who I am I shall not say, But I send you this bouquet With this query, baby mine: "Will you be my valentine?" See these roses blushing blue, Very like your eyes of hue; While these violets are the red Of your cheeks. It can be said Ne'er before was babe like you. And I think it is quite true No one e'er before to-day Sent so wondrous a bouquet As these posies aforesaid-- Roses blue and violets red! Sweet, repay me sweets for sweets-- 'Tis your lover who entreats! Smile upon me, baby mine-- Be my little valentine!
Type of Poem: Rondeau
Date Written:
Date Published:
Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Publisher:
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Comments/Notes: This enchanting poem is a tender exploration of love and admiration, anchored by the traditional symbol of romantic affection - the Valentine. With a playful, sweet tone, it invokes the age-old practice of sending flowers as tokens of love, while simultaneously subverting the conventional rose and violet colours to reflect the unique beauty of the beloved.
This love is expressed using simple, accessible language and a traditional AABB rhyme scheme, fostering a sense of warmth and familiarity. The repeated reference to "baby mine" perhaps highlights the speaker's protective, nurturing feelings towards the object of his affection. The poem also uses the literary device of personification, ascribing human characteristics to flowers to create a vivid and memorable image. The roses are "blushing blue," a color often associated with tranquility and dependability, while the violets are the red of the beloved's cheeks, a symbol of passion and vitality.
The poem concludes with a plea for reciprocation, invoking the idea that love is a give-and-take process. Overall, it is a heartfelt and charming love poem, which cleverly uses color and floral symbolism to convey the speaker's deep affection.