In almost a week, tons of people will struggle to express just how they feel about one person. Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and like it or not, everyone is thinking just a little romantically. Soon, chocolates will be flying off of shelves and Hallmark will count their millions made in Valentine’s cards and Peanuts memorabilia. Valentine’s Day is easy for those with lovers who are satisfied with a practical box of candy or flowers or cards, or singles who can swoop in on February 15th and get all the chocolate they want on sale. However, some people expect to be romanced a little on Valentine’s Day. Who knew?

 

 

 

 

 

 

For anyone not used to pitching woo or making big romantic gestures, it can be hard to figure out what to do. Poems are a solid and beautiful way to express your feelings, but for anyone who doesn’t write regularly, it can be a frustrating experience. For practice and inspiration, we suggest browsing through some Newspaper Blackout Poetry and trying your own. Newspaper Blackout is a site created by writer Austin Kleon as a companion to his book of poetry created by blacking out most of several newspaper articles, leaving in their stead a whole new poem. Anyone can create and share a poem of their own. All it takes is a black marker and some creativity.

 

Going through the site, readers will find tons of creative, funny, and beautiful bits of poetry from people all around the world. Even those who shy away from poetry will find something to like in the endless archive. Anyone tired of the usual horoscope they find in the paper can usually find a refreshingly rewritten version every month on the site. Participating can not only be inspiring, but relaxing too. Blacking out a page from what you’re reading can be a very introspective activity. You may find yourself rereading it before taking a marker to it, and most definitely seeing things you did not see before. Try it out! You may just find your feelings already conveniently spelled out in the morning news.