The scruffy dog's significance is much
discussed:
as a symbol of fidelity - ridiculous;
and for the quattrocento bourgeousie,
not exactly the emblem of success.
The lovers stand, demure in their Sunday
best,
private passion, and public ceremony.
in awkward silence, irreconcilable.
Around the grey, echoing galleries,
escaped students and secretaries,
embrace baroque bouquets -
on Valentine's day, proud to display,
what privately they feel:
that love matters most, to most of us,
despite the small, cynical world snapping at our heel.