“The life so brief, the art so long in the learning, the attempt so hard, the conquest so sharp, the fearful joy that ever slips away so quickly–by all this I mean love.” – Chaucer, 1380.

With that description of love, Chaucer introduced the very first Valentine's poem to the English language and set the stage for St. Valentine's Day to be remembered with our attempts to capture, communicate, and celebrate the “fearful joy that ever slips away so quickly.”  Valentine's cards have been sent since mechanical reproduction allowed (1800’s).  The first ever hand-written Valentine’s day card was sent in 1477, titled “Be My Olde Valentine” and includes a plaintive poem from a lady to a squire:
“Unto my right well-beloved Valentine John Paston, squire, be this bill delivered. “