I’ve recently become a wife
and buy Ray’s gift,
a red cardigan sweater.
Then I go to Muller’s Drug Store,
and buy lots of cards for everyone:
hubby, mom, mother-in-law,
brothers, and friends
since I’m sentimental.
While I’m there, I run into Mrs. D,
my best friend’s mother.
She says, I bet you’ll be getting
a nice present from your husband.
I say, He’s not that type,
I don’t think so.
I continue shopping.
When I get up to the register,
Charlie, the druggist, hands me
a wrapped present of talcum powder.
He says, Mrs. D. bought it for you.
I will never forget this Valentine gift;
she’s a single mom with seven children
struggling to get by. I think,
This is precious
This is the widow’s mite.
 

From More Jerkumstances,New & Selected Poems (Moontide Press).
Used here with permission.