Alexander Pope

How happy is the blameless vestal's lot! The world forgetting, by the world forgot. Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind! Each pray'r accepted, and each wish resign'd; Labour and rest, that equal periods keep; "Obedient slumbers that can wake and weep;" Desires compos'd, affections ever ev'n, Tears that delight, and sighs that waft to Heav'n. Grace shines around her with serenest beams, And whisp'ring angels prompt her golden dreams. For her th' unfading rose of Eden blooms, And wings of seraphs shed divine perfumes, For her the Spouse prepares the bridal ring, For her white virgins hymeneals sing, To sounds of heav'nly harps she dies away, And melts in visions of eternal day.

The above is an excerpt from Pope's Eloisa to Abelard. You may or may not recognize the title of one of the best movies ever made in the lines of the poem. As it is Valentine's Day, I am reminded of the opening lines of the movie as said by Jim Carrey's character Joel: random thoughts for Valentine's day, 2004. Today is a holiday invented by greeting card companies to make people feel like crap. I personally think Valentine's Day is pretty stupid. After all, why should I remember to love my wife and treat her like she is the greatest woman alive only one day out of the year? No amount of flowers, jewlery, cards or chocolate (well she might debate me on that one) will convey how much she means to me or how much I love her. So Hallmark - kiss my ugly, hairy rear. You aren't getting my money - I'll tell my wife myself how much I love her.