The most famous Valentine’s Day rhyme is of course, Roses are red… but there are many other romantic verses and poems that are just as charming. Whether you’re looking for a heartfelt verse for your partner, a fun rhyme for a friend, or a cute poem for your child’s Valentine’s card, we’ve gathered the best Valentine’s Day rhymes – some traditional classics and some brand new originals.
The History of Valentine’s Day Rhymes
Throughout the world, we celebrate Valentine’s Day and romantic love on February 14 each year. It is thought that Valentine’s Day may be linked to the ancient Roman festival, Lupercalia.
Valentine’s Day is also associated with the Christian martyr, Valentine of Rome who according to legend was persecuted for performing forbidden marriage ceremonies. He was sentenced to death and wrote a note to the judge’s daughter whom he had healed, with his last words being “from your Valentine“.
The tradition of writing love poems on Valentine’s Day dates back centuries. Geoffrey Chaucer was among the first to connect Valentine’s Day with romantic love in his 1382 poem Parliament of Fowls. By the 18th century, exchanging handwritten notes and verses had become a beloved Valentine’s tradition across Europe – and it remains one of the most personal ways to express your love today.
If you’re looking for more romantic inspiration, you might also enjoy our guide to the most romantic places in London or these romantic European cities for a Valentine’s getaway.
Short Valentine’s Day Rhymes
A version of the iconic Valentine’s Day poem, Roses are Red, can be found in a collection of British nursery rhymes from 1784. That version is:
The rose is red, the violet’s blue,
The honey’s sweet, and so are you.
However, we can trace the line roses red all the way back to 1590 and the famous English poem The Faerie Queene by Edmund Spenser:
She bath’d with roses red, and violets blew,
And all the sweetest flowres, that in the forrest grew.
The modern day version of the classic Valentine verse is:
Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
Sugar is sweet,
And so are you
If you’re trying to win someone’s heart, this short love rhyme should resonate with you:
I don’t want to be your favorite or your best. I want to be your only and forget the rest.
For those who are bursting with affection, here’s the perfect Valentine’s verse:
A hundred hearts would be too few To carry all my love for you.
Long standing sweethearts should identify with this simple Valentine’s Day rhyme:
Loved you once, love you still, always have, always will.
This short romantic rhyme is ideal for lovers of the great outdoors:
Down in a forest Carved in a tree 3 little words I love thee.
Here’s another of our favourite love verses:
If I were a cabbage I’d split myself in two, I’d give the leaves to anyone, But the heart I’d give to you.
Funny Valentine’s Day Poem
Sometimes humour is the way to someone’s heart. These lighthearted Valentine’s Day poems are perfect for couples who prefer laughter over sentimentality.
How about this for a cheeky variant of the classic, or write your own Valentine’s rhyme for your loved one – it’s easier than you think:
Roses are red,
Violets are blue.
Cashews are nuts,
And so are you
And for the couple who have been together for years:
You still make my heart race, After all this time together, Even though you steal the covers, I’d choose you in any weather.
Copyright: Luxury Columnist
If you’re planning a fun date in London for couples, slip one of these funny rhymes into your partner’s pocket before you head out!
Valentine’s Day Rhymes for Her
Looking for the perfect Valentine’s poem for your girlfriend or wife? These romantic rhymes celebrate the special woman in your life.
Your smile lights up the darkest day, Your laughter chases clouds away, In every moment, every hour, Your love gives me the greatest power.
This Valentine’s, I want you to know, With each passing year, my love will grow, You are my heart, my guiding light, My morning sun, my star at night.
Copyright: Luxury Columnist
Here’s a shorter verse perfect for a Valentine’s card:
Of all the stars that fill the sky, Not one shines brighter in my eye, Than you, my love, my Valentine, Forever grateful you are mine.
Copyright: Luxury Columnist
For a gift to accompany your poem, browse our guide to the best luxury Valentine’s Day gifts for her. You might also surprise her with one of these romantic fragrances for women – nothing says love quite like a beautifully chosen perfume.
Valentine’s Day Rhymes for Him
Finding the right words for the man in your life can be just as important. These Valentine’s verses are written with him in mind.
You are my rock, my steady ground, The safest love I’ve ever found, Through every storm, you hold me tight, My Valentine, my shining knight.
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A shorter option for a card:
I never knew what love could be, Until the day you came to me, Now every day is Valentine’s, Because your heart is linked with mine.
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And for couples who appreciate the simple things:
It’s not the grand gestures that I treasure most, But the quiet mornings, tea and toast, The way you laugh, the way you care, The little things beyond compare.
Copyright: Luxury Columnist
Looking for gift inspiration? Check out our picks for the best luxury Valentine’s Day gifts for him.
Classic Valentine’s Day Poems
Elizabeth Barrett Browning – How Do I Love Thee?
For something more traditional, How Do I Love Thee? Sonnet 43 by Elizabeth Barrett Browning is one of the most romantic rhymes. Elizabeth was an inspirational poet, born in 1806 who wrote her first epic poem aged 12.
Despite having a tyrannical father, a lung disease and a spinal injury, she taught herself Hebrew and continued to publish poems. She campaigned against slavery and child labour.
Elizabeth eloped to Florence, Italy with the poet Robert Browning in 1846. Her Sonnets from the Portuguese, are dedicated to Robert and were published in 1850. This is Elizabeth’s famous sonnet, now one of the most popular Valentine poems.
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of every day’s
Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love with a passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints, — I love thee with the breath, Smiles, tears, of all my life! — and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.
Robert Burns – A Red, Red Rose
The famous Scottish poet, Robert Burns, created A Red, Red Rose in 1794 but it’s still charming today. Originally a song, it is often used as a poem:
O my Luve’s like a red, red rose,
That’s newly sprung in June:
O my Luve’s like the melodie,
That’s sweetly play’d in tune.
As fair art thou, my bonie lass,
So deep in luve am I;
And I will luve thee still, my dear,
Till a’ the seas gang dry.
Till a’ the seas gang dry, my dear,
And the rocks melt wi’ the sun;
And I will luve thee still, my dear,
While the sands o’ life shall run.
And fare-thee-weel, my only Luve!
And fare-thee-weel, a while!
And I will come again, my Luve,
Tho’ ’twere ten thousand mile!
Lord Byron – She Walks in Beauty
The famous Romantic poet, Lord Byron, wrote She Walks in Beauty in 1814. This poem is thought to have been inspired by Anne Beatrix Wilmot, whom he met at a party and was married to his first cousin.
She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that’s best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes;
Thus mellowed to that tender light
Which heaven to gaudy day denies.
One shade the more, one ray the less,
Had half impaired the nameless grace
Which waves in every raven tress,
Or softly lightens o’er her face;
Where thoughts serenely sweet express
How pure, how dear their dwelling place.
And on that cheek, and o’er that brow,
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow,
But tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent!
Shakespeare’s Valentine Sonnets
No collection of romantic poetry would be complete without William Shakespeare. His sonnets have been whispered between lovers for over four centuries. Two stand out as particularly perfect for Valentine’s Day.
Sonnet 18 is perhaps the most famous love poem in the English language. Written around 1609, it compares the beloved to a summer’s day – and finds summer lacking:
Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate: Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer’s lease hath all too short a date.
Sonnet 116 defines what true love means – a love that doesn’t falter when circumstances change. It’s a popular choice for wedding readings and Valentine’s cards alike:
Let me not to the marriage of true minds Admit impediments. Love is not love Which alters when it alteration finds, Or bends with the remover to remove.
Both of these sonnets are in the public domain and can be found in full at the Folger Shakespeare Library.
Cute Valentine’s Day Poems
These Valentine’s poems are the perfect way to tell someone that you care.
Darling Valentine, oh my sweetest love,
Your beauty radiates like a beacon above;
Your lips so tender, so perfectly formed,
In my heart your name is always adorned.
On this day of love I thank the heavens above,
For gifting me with the most beautiful love;
You fill my spirit and soul with joy divine,
It’s fate that we are forever intertwined.
My darling Valentine you are my world, in each moment with you my life unfurls;
A timeless emotion that never fades away,
To be together for us will always be the way.
Copyright: Luxury Columnist
All my dreams, I share them with you;
The love I feel will always be true.
For at your feet, I lay my heart;
As we embrace life together, never to part.
I remember the day when our paths collided;
Our bond was formed, and it never subsided.
A beautiful spark ignited in the air;
We both knew it was something quite rare.
Your smile lit up the sky like a star;
Your laughter filled me with joy from afar.
Wherever we go and whatever we do
My love for you is forever true.
We’ll encounter happy days and sad ones too;
All my dreams are shared with only you.
We’ll journey across seas, high and low;
Together we’ll always grow.
Copyright: Luxury Columnist
This poem is perfect for a couple who love to travel together. For romantic trip ideas, explore our guide to the best luxury honeymoon destinations or discover the most romantic European cities.
My dearest love, my heart so true,
I dream of a world, just me and you.
Where together we make a great team,
And all the rest is just a dream.
As I look upon your smiling face,
A warmth comes to me, deep in this place.
And with each passing day it grows,
This love that forever in us glows.
On Valentine’s Day our hearts will beat as one,
In celebration of what we have begun.
The beauty of our love shines so bright,
That softly illuminates the night.
Copyright: Luxury Columnist
Valentine’s Day Rhyme for a Good Friend
Valentine’s Day isn’t just for romantic love. Here are charming poems for your best friend or a special person in your life.
A true friendship is like a Valentine,
Where your lives regularly intertwine,
It matures like a fine wine,
And feels like a ray of sunshine!
Copyright: Luxury Columnist
And here’s a new one for friends who feel like family:
Some friends are gold and some are silver, But you, dear friend, make my heart quiver, With gratitude for all you do, This Valentine’s is also for you.
Copyright: Luxury Columnist
Valentine’s Day Poems for Kids
These kids’ Valentine poems are a great way of saying that you care. They’re simple enough for little ones to learn by heart and perfect for handmade Valentine’s cards at school.
Valentine’s Day is here, hooray!
Let’s spread love in every way
With cards and hugs and sweet delight
We’ll make this day so warm and bright.
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With cards and candies, oh so sweet
Our friendship bond is hard to beat!
Let’s celebrate Valentine’s Day with joy and glee
For you’re as special as can be!
Copyright: Luxury Columnist
Here’s a new one for children to share with classmates:
Red hearts, pink hearts, everywhere, Valentine’s love is in the air, I made this card to say to you, You’re a wonderful friend, and that is true!
Copyright: Luxury Columnist
And one for Mum or Dad:
You kiss me goodnight and hold me tight, You make everything feel just right, On Valentine’s Day, I want to say, I love you more than words can say!
Copyright: Luxury Columnist
What to Write in a Valentine’s Day Card
Struggling with what to write? Here are some short Valentine’s Day messages and verses that work perfectly inside a card. Mix and match, or use them as inspiration for your own words.
Short and sweet:
- You are my today and all of my tomorrows.
- Every love story is beautiful, but ours is my favourite.
- With you, every day feels like Valentine’s Day.
For a long-term partner:
Through all the years and all the days, My love for you still sets ablaze, A fire that time cannot undo, My heart belongs only to you.
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For someone new:
I can’t predict what lies ahead, But here is what I know instead, Each moment spent with you feels right, Like stars that shimmer through the night.
Copyright: Luxury Columnist
Pair your heartfelt words with a thoughtful gift. For something truly special, consider a piece from our guide to diamond quotes and the history of the engagement ring, or browse our collection of the best quotes about diamonds.
London Valentine Rhyme
And finally, this is a Valentine’s rhyme that we created for London. At times exasperating, at other times thrilling, London is never boring.
This Valentine’s Day rhyming poem celebrates our special relationship with London.
London, we love you on sunny days
And also for your colourful ways
We love it when you’re feeling pretty
And when you’re more nitty gritty
We can’t resist your green spaces
And incredible historical places
We really dig your hidden gems
And long walks along The Thames
We love your vibrant dining scene
And that you’re home to the Queen
We even love you in the rain
Although your transport can be a pain 😉
We’ve tried to leave you many times
Yet we’d sadly miss Big Ben’s chimes
So London, we are here to stay
Have a fabulous Valentine’s Day!
Copyright: Luxury Columnist
If London is your Valentine, discover the best places to propose in London and the most romantic places in London for a truly unforgettable experience.
How to Write Your Own Valentine’s Rhyme
Want to create something truly personal? Writing your own Valentine’s poem is easier than you think, and a handwritten verse will mean far more than any shop-bought card. Here are some tips to get you started:
Choose your tone. Decide whether you want your poem to be romantic, funny, nostalgic or playful. Think about what your partner would appreciate most.
Start with what you love about them. Jot down specific things – the way they laugh, a shared memory, an inside joke. The most touching poems are personal and specific rather than generic.
Don’t force the rhyme. It’s better to have a natural-sounding poem with an imperfect rhyme than a clunky one where words are shoehorned in. Simple rhyme schemes like AABB (where every two lines rhyme) are the easiest to work with.
Keep it short. Some of the most powerful love verses are just two to four lines. You don’t need to write a sonnet – unless you want to, of course!
Use a familiar structure. If you’re stuck, try adapting the “Roses are red” format with your own twist. For example: Roses are red, your eyes are so bright, you make every day feel perfectly right.
For more creative inspiration, explore our inspirational life journey quotes – sometimes the perfect line is waiting to be discovered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most famous Valentine’s Day rhyme? The most famous Valentine’s Day rhyme is “Roses are red, violets are blue, sugar is sweet, and so are you.” This verse can be traced back to 1590 and Edmund Spenser’s poem The Faerie Queene, though the modern version comes from a 1784 collection of British nursery rhymes.
What is the origin of Valentine’s Day poems? The tradition of writing love poetry for Valentine’s Day dates back to Geoffrey Chaucer in the 1380s, who first connected the day with romantic love in his poem Parliament of Fowls. By the 18th century, exchanging handwritten love notes and poems on February 14 had become widespread across Europe.
What are good short Valentine’s Day poems? Some of the best short Valentine’s poems include: “Loved you once, love you still, always have, always will” and “A hundred hearts would be too few, to carry all my love for you.” These brief verses are perfect for cards and gifts.
Can I use these Valentine’s Day poems in cards? The classic poems by Shakespeare, Robert Burns, Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Lord Byron are all in the public domain and free to use. The original poems marked “Copyright: Luxury Columnist” are our own creations – you are welcome to use them in personal Valentine’s cards and messages.
What is the best Valentine’s poem for a husband or wife? For long-term partners, poems that acknowledge shared history and enduring love tend to resonate most. Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s “How Do I Love Thee?” is a timeless choice, or you could write something personal that references your own love story.
In Conclusion
We hope that these Valentine’s Day rhymes have been a little bit of inspiration for you as we head into this romantic holiday. From the sweet to the sassy, these sayings are sure to have something that will appeal to your love’s personality and make them feel loved all year long! Happy Valentine’s Day!
How do you feel about Valentine’s Day? Do you love or loathe it? Which of these Valentine love poems is your favorite?
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