An Elementary School Kid's Perspective

Valentine’s Day: An Elementary School Kid’s Perspective

“How do I love thee? Let me count the ways...”

Oftentimes, you could see this in love letters that is usually sent throughout the year, but it is safe to say that it could mean the beginning of St Valentine’s Day. Shakespearean quotes fill cell phones and emails and other types of media, often reworded to avoid “corniness” so to speak. And as the big day is nearing, the air around parks and romantic locations around the city suddenly turn into a hotspot for lovers to reaffirm their love, marriage proposals, a romantic stroll between close girl-boy friends and, of course, the announcement of love to the girls!

Actually, I envy them. Damn, I really do. My girl classmates would often talk about their “soul mates” or “prince charmings” and their dream boys and such. And they would often drop hints on who they’re thinking about when the boys in question are their own classmates. Fondness develops into crushes and friends and best friends deepen into mutual relationships, whatever that is. The only thing that gets stuck in my young mind was the question, “What is love?”

According to our pastor, it is a feeling so pure and so innocent that one must cherish it to its fullest extent. Others say that it is a very important feeling to have: loving and be loved. Still others say that it is the way to the “secret garden” or “made heels with Jesus”... wait, I think that last one was uncalled for. Damn me for being impertinent, but I think the best explanation was “Wait until you get older, so you can make your own definition”!

Imagine spending money on someone you aren’t entirely sure whether you’re in love or just a burst of feeling? Cell phone load, red roses, chocolates, anyone? When I think about these blatant facts my pocket feels very, very lonely!

I now look around my classroom and see girls talking excitedly to themselves whenever a crush is near or talks casually to them (and subject to more teases), I move away with my thought and think about tomorrow’s assignment and the projects that was about to come.

In any case, it IS rather too early for me to talk, ask and think about love. For now, a student’s love is his or her studies, for how can you live on love alone? Get my drift? Yet many youth fall into the death grasp that is Love, for a Filipino writer once said, “Love must triumph now; Youth must triumph. Afterwards, it will be life.”

Although life is short, and there are many fish in the sea, bla bla bla... there are many opportune moments and one, big, whole lifetime to do some soul searching, don’t you think? At least I do.