Ode to my Valentine

We've been together awhile, you and I.
When was it...four or five years past?
Since then, we've been through a lot, you and I.
Fruition is coming, coming at last. (I hope.)

We've stuck together, you and I.
The final hurdle towards the PhD.
At times we've been negligent, you and I.
Though I guess that was mostly me. (Actually, all me.)

We've been around the world, you and I.
To an Observatory, or a conference.
Seen interesting things, you and I.
Luckily it was all at my adviser's expense. (Thanks Ted!)

We've pulled all nighters, you and I.
Sometimes it was just part of the grind.
Written proposals and papers, you and I.
Sometimes nearly losing my mind. (Seriously.)

We've been inseparable, you and I.
You're omnipresent, never-yielding, aggressive.
The task master, the servant, you and I.
Though I wouldn't say you're...oppressive. (Yet.)

We've now gone into hiding, you and I.
In a place that's so very, very cold.
No more excuses exist for you and I.
Your full beauty we'll all soon behold. (Hopefully with six signatures.)

We've got to focus, can't delay, you and I.
Time, time, I just need more time!
But we've got a deadline, you and I.
So will you be my Valentine? (Sans chocolate.*)





* At least until the completion of Chapter 2.