Love Stories in 100 Words

My Valentine – First Meeting

She first appeared in net stockings

Garbed from head to toe in black

My life change was truly shocking

I’ve never yet looked back

Since then my gorgeous Valentine

Brings boundless love to my heart

My soul she fully does entwine

I ache whenever we’re apart

Chasing joy is our constant quest

As is caring for each other’s needs.

Certain that we are truly blessed

Proving our love with words and deeds

My Darling Girl is beyond measure

Myriad talents for all to see

How can it be that it’s my pleasure

She chooses to spend her time with me?

-Arthur Birsh

Expensive Putt

In 1988, we visited Ocean Reef. On entering, mesmerized by the magic of this island, we found a nice home on the golf course. While playing golf, my husband said, “If you make this putt, I’ll put a bid on the house.” I made the putt, offer made, 9 months later accepted. My husband told the agent, “If you put this deal together, I can give it to Mary for a Valentine’s present, and I will never have to buy another Valentine’s gift.” The agent put the deal together. February 14, 1988, we owned our first home at Ocean Reef.

-Mary Brady

Let’s Try Out

Some obnoxious boy I didn’t know was prancing around his fraternity house mimicking my role of Jessica in “The Merchant of Venice.” He asked my roommate on a date and I told her not to go. We doubled. We danced. We switched dates. I loved the smell of his leather jacket. He signed up for my seminar on Greek Theater. “Let’s try out together,” I’d suggest. He never took the bait. But through 59 years, 4 kids and 10 grandkids I could always count on him to be cheering in the audience or waiting in the wings.

-Gertrude Mann

Close Captives

My love and I are close captives of each other.

Once we piloted a Swiss hydrogen balloon together to Italy, a high flight across glaciers, crevasses, great lakes and ancient lands. Bundled together in a wicker gondola, our racing hearts marked the swift ascent, windy alpine traverse, and plunge toward earth.

Shared anxiety is silent with lovers alone together. Two brood as one.

Finally, floating low along a fertile valley our basket snagged and suddenly stopped atop an apple tree until locals, laughing, hauled us down.

My love and I were then close captives of this happy hamlet!

– Fiona & Randy Woods