Femme Coquette ⁓

English [Shakespearean] Sonnet

Femme Coquette ~

Her voice bit into him like lacquered nails

that screeched across the blackboard of his mind;

as cold as rime, she's thin as ice that fails,

and is so dark she leaves the senses blind.

She emptied him and stole away his peace ...

left naught behind but grief-filled memory.

For those of you who might this wailing cease,

judge not too harshly what you cannot see;

that once a man is softened in his heart

to trusting in a hardened femme coquette,

there is no way to stop before the start

of all to come that he'll not soon forget.

Her heat set high his lust to blazing fire,

then left his ashes on her stone cold pyre.

Richard W. Jenkins

©2019

Author's Note

Artwork by Irene Patten

All honest, hard, well-intended critique, comment, and advice is always welcomed,
but know what you're talking about when you give it. : )

Reviews

[Lisasview]

Good morning my new friend,
I received your welcomed message and will most definitely work on everything you suggested today. Again, I definitely would love your help. How lucky I am to have you as one of my first reviewers...
I read and reread your poem (sonnet) and feel a kinship to this type of writing. The first sentence captures the readers interest in continuing to read immediately. And, again this happens at the beginning of the second paragraph..."She emptied him..." such a powerful thought Richard.. Not having any education in writing poetry I am probably not the best person to ask for a review. I am just saying how your poem made me feel..

[Richard🖌]

Well, Lady Lisa 🌸

Good morning to thee, as-well.
You so honor me with your expressions of willingness and gratitude. In thanks for your love in helping, I shall give you my best … your feelings of luck and kinship are warmly mutual.
I agree with your meaningful insights on L1 V1 and L1 V2 … good eye, and despite your lack of poetical education, this goes to prove my instinct that you have a poetic heart.
Lisa, a meaningful review (in my mind's-eye) tells the writer how and why their work effects the reviewer … this is invaluable input that tells the author how well they've done in touching those they write and share for.
I've truly enjoyed how my poem has made you "feel". You both gratify and inspire my battered olde pen to rise and dance again.

Big hugs to you, Lisa ⁓ Richard 🍃

[R.E. Ray]

I see what other reviewers see, and I see the flip-side. Women like that are always damaged, often traumatized from something wicked. Their persona is armor, and their appearance is perhaps revenge. A shiny apple, daring to be touched.

This is a brilliant poem and the artwork is perfect for the poem.

[Richard🖌]

G'Day, Mr. Ray,
What an interesting and wisely insightful review you've gifted this rather eye-opening piece for the more naïve amongst us, let's say.

Your praise and expressed appreciation are gratification any poet would relish, as I surely do … with most sincere thanks! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[kitty]

A situ' /a story relatable to many of your readers... those who have dared to love and are 'singed' by the fire. How aptly are these feeling shared here that are real! No critique to offer but praise of a master's work in this instance. Your insight into the realities of life is striking! Thank you for sharing this with us, your readers.

[Richard🖌]

Ohhh, Kitty Sweet 🌼
You always know the exact words to quicken the heart and gratify a bard's hopes of pleasing his readers.

With my warmest hugs 'n smiles … thank you, Dear Lady-Poet! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[kitty]

The pleasure's mine dear Sire!

[DIVYA]

A very sharp and biting piece...lacquered nails dig deep! For some reason it reminded me of Wallis Simpson whose biography by Andrew Morton I just read. Femme fatales are death indeed. They leave little in their wake but ashes. Yet there’s always more for them to destroy. A great poem Richard.

[Richard🖌]

G'day, Lady Divya! 🍁
How nice it is to see you here today, selecting one of my newest little efforts to read and comment on.
Ahhh, the Duchess of Windsor … perhaps, my femme coquette is reminiscent of her because of the rather promiscuous manner in which she flitted from man to man before finally marrying King Edward. Her bio must have been interesting reading, indeed.
It is so rewarding to receive your reviews, Divya, because you always seem to connect with my humble efforts in some meaningful way … thank you ever-so warmly for your visit.

With my most grateful thanks! ⁓ Richard 🍃