A stranger once gave me a paper heart on my way to class.

He told me to have a wonderful day and smiled and alas

the heart has followed me for 4 years through sun, rain, and snow.

It has been a reminder every day of how much I can grow.

And every time I look at that paper taped up against my wall,

I think about that stranger and if he gave himself hearts at all.

Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned since that brisk winter day

it’s that those who give paper hearts give all their love away.