A Guide to Famous Poems Featuring Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day has long inspired poets to write about love, passion, devotion, and sometimes even heartbreak. From classic sonnets to modern verses, poetry has captured the essence of romance in all its forms. Below is a florist guide to famous poems that celebrate, reflect on, or redefine Valentine’s Day.
1. "Sonnet 18" – William Shakespeare (1609)
"Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?"
Though not specifically written for Valentine’s Day, this iconic Shakespearean sonnet is one of the most famous love poems of all time. It immortalizes love by comparing it to the beauty of nature, making it a timeless choice for the holiday.
Why It’s Perfect for Valentine’s Day:
Expresses eternal love
Uses beautiful imagery to compare a lover to nature
Captures the essence of admiration and devotion
2. "Love’s Philosophy" – Percy Bysshe Shelley (1820)
"The fountains mingle with the river,
And the rivers with the ocean…"
This romantic poem uses nature’s unity as a metaphor for love, emphasizing how everything in the world is interconnected. Shelley’s passionate plea for love makes it an excellent Valentine’s Day poem.
Why It’s Perfect for Valentine’s Day:
Appeals to deep emotional longing
Uses nature metaphors to describe love
Perfect for those who believe in soulmates
3. "How Do I Love Thee?" – Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1850)
"How do I love thee? Let me count the ways."
A staple of romantic poetry, this poem from Sonnets from the Portuguese is a declaration of deep and boundless love. Browning’s lines express devotion that extends beyond life itself.
Why It’s Perfect for Valentine’s Day:
A direct and heartfelt love declaration
Ideal for reading to a partner
Shows love’s endurance over time
4. "The Good-Morrow" – John Donne (1633)
"I wonder by my troth, what thou and I
Did, till we loved?"
This metaphysical poem explores the idea of awakening to true love, as if life only begins when one finds their soulmate. Donne’s exploration of deep, intellectual love makes this poem a unique Valentine’s Day read.
Why It’s Perfect for Valentine’s Day:
Emphasizes the transformative power of love
Blends passion with philosophical depth
Great for lovers who share a deep emotional and intellectual bond
5. "Valentine" – Carol Ann Duffy (1993)
"Not a red rose or a satin heart.
I give you an onion."
This modern and unconventional poem challenges traditional Valentine’s Day gifts and metaphors. Instead of romantic clichés, Duffy uses the onion as a symbol of love’s complexity—its layers, its intensity, and even its pain.
Why It’s Perfect for Valentine’s Day:
Perfect for those who dislike commercialized romance
Honest and raw, reflecting real relationships
A great conversation starter for poetry lovers
6. "i carry your heart with me" – E. E. Cummings (1952)
"i carry your heart with me (i carry it in
my heart)"
One of the most beloved love poems of the 20th century, this poem by Cummings is simple, heartfelt, and deeply intimate. It expresses the idea of carrying a loved one’s presence within oneself at all times.
Why It’s Perfect for Valentine’s Day:
Short, sweet, and deeply emotional
Perfect for modern romantics
Evokes a sense of deep, unwavering love
7. "When You Are Old" – W. B. Yeats (1893)
"But one man loved the pilgrim soul in you,
And loved the sorrows of your changing face."
Yeats’ poem is both romantic and melancholic, focusing on a love that remains strong even as time passes. It’s perfect for those who appreciate the beauty of lifelong love.
Why It’s Perfect for Valentine’s Day:
Appeals to those who value lasting love
Reflects on love’s endurance beyond youth
Ideal for longtime couples
8. "A Red, Red Rose" – Robert Burns (1794)
"O my Luve is like a red, red rose
That’s newly sprung in June."
This Scottish love poem is one of the most passionate and romantic works in literature. Burns compares love to a beautiful rose and the deep ocean, emphasizing its everlasting nature.
Why It’s Perfect for Valentine’s Day:
Uses vivid, romantic imagery
Expresses undying love in simple yet powerful language
Perfect for handwritten love letters
Valentine’s Day is a time for celebrating love in all its forms—whether passionate, enduring, or even bittersweet. Whether you prefer the timeless elegance of Shakespeare, the raw honesty of Carol Ann Duffy, or the lyrical beauty of Robert Burns, there’s a poem for every kind of love story.
