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BY PAUL FORD March 26, 2002

From Valentine's Day, 1997. “Using a cobbler's shoe last...”

From Valentine's Day, 1997. “Using a cobbler's shoe last...”

Using a cobbler's shoe last I found one summer at a yard sale, and the heavy leather uppers from cast off boots, a jigsaw, some wood, an awl and thread, and a few evenings sitting alone thinking of you, I have fashioned a pair of red valentine shoes with heart-shaped heels. Look for my tracks on your doorstep where I stood with sore feet through the evening, too timid to knock.

Submitted by: Cory Preus (web site 1, web site 2), who wrote: “Telling you about myself is optional, eh? Well, I'll tell you. I'll tell you right and I'll tell you all. I simply laugh.” About the poem, he explained: “Ted Kooser is a poet who spoke at my alma matter in 1997 about his craft. Every year, he write a Valentine's poem, prints it on a card and gives it to people.”

Submitted by: Cory Preus (web site 1, web site 2), who wrote: “Telling you about myself is optional, eh? Well, I'll tell you. I'll tell you right and I'll tell you all. I simply laugh.” About the poem, he explained: “Ted Kooser is a poet who spoke at my alma matter in 1997 about his craft. Every year, he write a Valentine's poem, prints it on a card and gives it to people.”