Love & Money Poem by Jim Yerman

Two days ago a man burst into the bookstore and he looked a little miffed
He said, “Valentine’s Day is close and I need to buy my wife gift.”

“She’s and artist, ” he said shaking his head, “I don’t care for art myself.”
So I pointed him to the Art books and he grabbed one off the shelf.

“This will do just fine.” He said. “My Valentine shopping’s done.”
Then he tossed the money on the counter and said, “I’ve got to run.”

I guess he thought in the end she’d be happy with the thought
And he wouldn’t be in the dog house for saying...I forgot.

As he reached the door I wanted to stop him. I wanted to shout, “Hey you
Instead of buying a book she might not want just tell her...I love you.”

I wanted to show him the error of his ways, to his good sense I wanted to appeal
I wanted to tell him there are so many better ways to tell her how you feel.

You can say it simply with your eyes or a card that’s filled with art
You can give her Hershey’s kisses or those cute little candy hearts.

You can write her a simple poem like Roses are red, Violet’s are blue
Just wanted you to know that every day I re-fall in love with you.

You can say it with a dozen roses or a giant chocolate heart
You can give her a piece of jewelry that says you never want to part...

That’s what I wanted to say but I didn’t...after all this bookstore has to survive
And that art book he pulled off the shelf sold for $24.95.