THE TRUFFLE'S BRIGADE

In the store window
In the store display
A month-- far too early to be valentines day
I saw them. I heard them. The Truffles Brigade!
Reds! Pinks! Hearts! Hearts! Hearts! - marching
Mobs of garlands, screaming "Where is your lover?!?!"
"Where. Is. your. love?!?!"

"I am happy with or without a lover" I declared  
to one of the cherubs much shorter then I, 
"CLICHÉ!!!!" she cried, 
As a passing love song crooned like a choir in pain, 
they asked me again, "Where is your lover"
"I have none." I replied
and the bouquets just shook their petals and laughed 
"SINGLE?!"
the truffles cackled like clams
and the heart shaped trinkets
clank! Rang out! 
"Unwanted Hag! Spinster and Old Maid! 
You must me tamed, You must be changed!
Without a lover you are nothing to gain!!!"
As they bound me in shackles! Fetters and chain!
I was surrounded by
Truffles with their rifles And a choir began to sing ---
"be the couple" to the melody of Handel's hallelujah

THUNDER!

and just when I thought I had met my final decree
No sooner did Laughter cry out 
"Slay the trinkets! 
Melt the Truffles! 
Burn those flowers whole!" 
And Art and Soul rallied in my name! Hurrah!
even my Heart who until now, had remained terrified and ill
Shrieked "CHARGE!!!" with renewed spirit and zest!

The trinkets! The truffles! The fading bouquets! 
bellowed in frenzied agony and dismay
Victory! As we lit their remains ablaze
Victory! as I warmed my body near the flame
I began to create in their name a painting, a portrait, 
To art, heart, soul & laughter 
Who had saved me from rapture for the sake of mere rapture
Rapture for the sake of mere escape
Just to avoid the arrows of the truffle's brigade.