The FLIRT (teasing)

Quatrains in iambic pentameter, w/abab rhymes. Selected from the archives and dusted-off for your pleasure in the month of romance … hope you enjoy this light, poetic, tongue-in-cheek tease. 😏

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“The F L I R T"

How can you say you doubt my love is true,

when you are all the world to me, and more?

No more devoted could I be to you …

though true, there's other ladies I adore.

You say that you consider me a "Flirt,”

and, oh my dear, I can't prove otherwise.

Although, my actions never meant to hurt,

it’s true I flirt, but only with my eyes.

And, now, you say that we are truly through!

Before you go, then, pray consider this:

I have an eye for other gals, it's true … 

but You, my love, the only one I kiss.

Richard W. Jenkins

©2001

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Author's Note

Painting: The FLIRTATION, oil on canvas by Eugene de Blaas, c.1902

Please, feel free to offer any sincerely meant constructive critique. ✍🏼

Reviews

[1809 Black Plague Decem..]

Good evening Richard,
Love it.
The love, and the flirt,
It's universal,
I relate, LOL
It happens so often to many of us,
Inside I dampen, because I want him, but I deny him, completely, in the end,
great write, Richard,
---1809 Black Plague December

[Richard🖌]

Thank you ever-so humbly and gratefully,

That you love anything about my modest poetic efforts is, indeed, praise unexpected, but gratefully appreciated and encouraging to a hopeful olde bard.
And, it is so very pleasing to know you relate to this bit of lite romantic frivolity.

Happy hugs to thee! ⁓ Richard🖌

[1809 Black Plague December]

Hellos, Dear, I find that exasperating, love the painting, or forse (testure of the painting); acclamatic, I paint myself, and I love it, I even appreciate, LOL

[Thomas W Case]

Powerful work. Great use of language.

[Richard🖌]

Hey!

Thanks, Thomas!
It's nice to have you read me, and with such praise. ⁓ Richard🖌

[Gracey_Moon]

Though I too would be hurt if i caught my man for staring at other women, this poem eases my mind and it's so nicely written. I love it.

[Richard🖌]

I've fallen so far behind,

After my teaching retirement, being offline for so long, and not commenting on reviews, I'm making a quick thank you with a very grateful acknowledgment to everyone for their wonderful input and feedback.

With big smiles 'n happy hugs! ⁓ Richard🖌

[William Michael Reeves]

If only the ladies would see it that way. I think they think a look is a kiss. Then turn it into the kiss of death ... with a look. I like how you place a rhyme in the interior of a line. Perhaps that is part of this form?

[Richard🖌]

True, what you say, William,

It takes a very open-minded, secure, confident, and good-natured woman to realize flirting is a natural human endeavor and not a threat from the man she's satisfied and spoiled so very well, because she knows he'll never be able to replace her … even if he should playfully stray.
The inner line rhymes are completely coincidental, but I like them, too.

Thanks for sharing and commenting on this fun little poem! ⁓ Richard🖌

[Aura]

This poem is filled with such subtlety and lightness, my heart just melted as I read this.
I may flirt with my eyes,
yet my heart tells no lies,
this love I feel is true,
darling I love you

As this was posted for the 'month of romance' I can definitely see someone giving their significant other this poem with a box of chocolates. The artwork is beautiful as well, it reminds of me of medieval times for some reason and I'm thinking of Italy.

Thank you for sharing the wonderful poetry, I enjoyed reading!

[Richard🖌]

Awww, Aura 🌾

What a delightfully lovely verse you've gifted this lighthearted little piece in homage to flirty romance and the one truly loved … thank you ever-so warmly.
Oh, how I'd cherish receiving such an enthralling verse, as yours, from the heart of a lovely lady faire. ; )

Happy "Romance Month" Dear Poetess! ⁓ Richard🖌

[Aura]

You are most welcome!

[Kelly Scheppers]

I'd be willing to bet there's a little flirt in us all. Perhaps some more than others! Wouldn't you agree, my dear?

[Richard🖌]

Well, M'Lovely Poetess🥂

I'm so naïve 'n innocent in these matters 🙄 that I'll have to bow to your expertise in this playfully appealing notion.
Furthermore, who am I to differ with such a delightfully worldly lady as yourself!

Thank you for sharing this fun little number with me, Kelly ⁓ Richard

[Destinyxi]

This was really well written and relatable! Though I believe women have wandering eyes as well. There is definitely no harm in looking. Similar to the saying "you can look but you can't touch"

[Richard🖌]

Hi, Destiny✨

First, let me thank, you for your encouraging compliment … then, for letting me know we've connected via the knowing wisdom in your sparkling, life-wisened words.

You've left me with a warm smile! ⁓ Richard

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

This is a perfect poem to go with this picture. It's witty and fun. I like it.

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, Linda Marie,

It always pleases me when I please You ⁓ Richard🖌

(the site keeps cutting my comments in half)

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

Firstly love the painting I love art !

Secondly but not least I adored your poem
Skillfully composed

Men cannot help but look at women
Maybe they can try to just cut it down to a quick glance then back again full attention to their woman
Yes it’s good that In the poem he is only giving his kisses and love to his woman

[Richard🖌]

Greeting 'n salutations, Dear Julie 🌺

It's so very nice to find you've visited and gifted this rather playful side of my frisky pen such deeelightfully warm approval and attention. ; )

You always make writing and sharing such a joy … hugs! ⁓ Richard🖌