The blossom petals of the Chinese trees
describe the tints and textures of your skin.
Enchanted lakes that ripple in the breeze
suggest how feelings quicken deep within.
But lunar calendars do not contain
a day to tell your Valentine your wish.
The dragon boats all race around in vain,
the poet does not surface on his fish.
Confucius wouldn't ever recommend
I celebrate a romance with my wife.
Still, Rabbit in the Moon will always blend
the ink that can bestow immortal life.
My own red paper couplets are unfurled.
They know about you halfway round the world.
Editor's reply: This poem has been specially written to mark Qi Xi Festival-the Chinese version of St. Valentine's Day-by a Sinorama reader who has been studying Chinese and collecting Chinese postage stamps for many years.