Elise Valmorbida

“Villanelle for my valentine

Old love, I thought I'd never see the time
because of all we've done and often said
when I'd be yours, my dear, and you'd be mine.

And what relief to soften, and resign
the battle of the heart over the head.
old love, I thought I'd never see the time

when qualms and cold feet that could undermine
all we've held out for, dissipate instead
now that I'm yours, my dear and you are mine.

I'm still amazed how our two lives align
the two of us! A pair! Take it as read,
old love, I thought I'd never see the time

The tangle of our jumpers in the line,
the battle for the blankets in our bed
confirm that I am yours, and you are mine.

So then, this is my pledge, my valentine:
my hand's in yours for all that lies ahead.
Oh love, there's never been a better time
now that I'm yours, and finally, you're mine.”
― Elise Valmorbida, The Book of Happy Endings: True Stories About Finding Love

“She was wearing a beautiful dress with straps designed to be eaten off her shoulders.”
― Elise Valmorbida, The Book of Happy Endings: True Stories About Finding Love