This year, rather than extol the virtues or reiterate the vices of Valentine’s Day, I decided to take a que from one of our local magazines. Rather than talk of love between people, they dedicated the article to something we can all (at least the magazine’s audience) agree to love: The City. Given that I have no partner to sing praises to, I decided to give my valentine to this island I live on and love oh so much.
Dear New York City,
On this day of lovers, I wanted to share with you how you have reached into the deepest parts of my soul and made me so happy.
How I love that you provide me with a Starbucks close enough to walk to no matter where I find myself.
How I smile every time I turn a corner and realize that there is something I hadn’t noticed about a street I pass every day.
How I love that your subways will always help me make my way home, no matter the hour.
How could I not be thrilled by the multitude of brilliant shows you produce and house every single day?
How I love that even within the sprawling buildings, you always seem to have room for a park filled with green in every neighborhood.
What words do I have to describe the delight I feel knowing that walking down the streets, everyone is able to be who they are without fear of reprisal?
What a wondrous thing it is that out of the millions of people you house, you always seem to provide opportunities to bump into random friends as though we were in a small Midwestern town.
And how can one not love your beauty? Fountains and sculptures, architectural brilliance, and cultural uniqueness make you shine.
Of course how can their be love without taste? Your existence ensures that no matter what my tongue wants, I can find. You can provide new and thrilling, or warm and comforting at any time.
And lastly, my sweet Valentine, I thank you for the people you bring together. So many walks of life, so many reasons for friends to visit, so many people, all brought together by you.
For this and all the wonderful things you are, and all the wonderful things you do for me and to the world, Happy Valentine’s Day!
-Your Loving Valentine, Rick
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