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 🍃

[lovelymarina]

This is so beautiful and amazing... It really captures the way the feminine can pull at every string in the divine masculine. Loved it immensely.

[Richard🖌]

Ahhh, Marina 🎶

After reading every poem you've posted, I knew if there is anyone who'd fully grasp the essence of this alluringly telling Sonnet, there's scan't doubt it would have to be You.

Thank you ever-so warmly, Marina, for loving anything about me/my poetry immensely, or otherwise! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[lovelymarina]

Thank you Richard... I love your words. If you have any tips/suggestions for me in any of my writing, it would be utterly and greatly appreciated... Can't wait to purchase your book.

[Richard🖌]

I will be most honored to critique your poems, Marina, soon as I've caught-up with those ahead of you.

Yes, I'm really quite excited about you ordering my book ; I know you'll find it wonderfully enjoyable and educationally helpful in learning and sharpening your poetical skills. 😃

[The Things She Noted]

Loved this piece! The artwork is beautiful as well :)

[Richard🖌]

Thank you, Dear Poetess 🍷

For your love spread over this sensuous wee Sonnet, and for such a graciously appreciative compliment.

Warmest happiness for your day! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[barleygirl]

This is the most emphatic & animated & dynamic I've ever seen, for a sonnet written by you! Bravo! This is the way to make us forget about form & stay glued to your compelling message! It looks like some of these up-and-coming sonnet blasters are reinventing the sonnet at the cafe & boy, am I glad! *wink! wink!* Maybe a fresh sonnet wave is powerful enuf to move even the most staid & habitual sonnet writers! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Richard🖌]

Gosh, Margie 😳

For You to gift a Sonnet of mine such high accolades sends me soaring over the moon!
Of course, as you know, the iambic beat and rhyme scheme of this form, combined with an interesting tale, is what helps make it such a praiseworthy and compelling piece. ; )

Love it, always, when you come near … thanks a zillion for being You (love the Margie style HUGS)! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Unspoken poet]

Love this write, and that last two lines. amazing write

[Richard🖌]

I'm most pleased, U.P. 🥀

That you love anything about my writing, and your praise of those final lines gifts a grateful smile.

Happy hugs to you, Lady-Poet! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Patricia Wedel]

dearest Richard... I knew a Poetess that fit this description and I know she would adore your poem. If you are fortunate to be so endowed with coquettish beauty ... it will bring a Smile that steals hearts away. gently, Pat

[Richard🖌]

Patricia Dearest, thank you ever-so warmly 🌻

You've gifted me a beaming smile, for I've known the pleasure (and the angst) of many such ladies as you've so eloquently recounted.
And, "Yes, a few stole my heart away." ; )

Hugs 'n cozy things! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Audrey M.]

Yikes!! I wonder where your inspiration for this one came from. Still I'm impressed. You hint there's more to the story 'bout her than you care to express. Favor me with a chat, where was your mind when you came up with that. Intriguing.

[Richard🖌]

With a knowing smile 😏

Dear Audrey,
Were I to reveal the source of this one and share answers, it would have to be over a couple of bottles of fine Rose Beaujolais. 🥂

Perhaps, we might share that chat sometime, eh? ; )⁓ Richard 🍃

[Cherrie Palmer]

There is nothing more poetic than a sonnet. I love the bit of this one. Very clever as always.

[Richard🖌]

How nice, Cherrie,

To see you so early in this hopeful new year!🍹*🍹 "klink!"read moreHow nice, Cherrie,

To see you so early in this hopeful new year!🍹*🍹 "klink!"
What poetess or poet could possibly differ with your poetical sentiment(?), certainly, not I.

How sweet of you to love anything about my Sonnet, and to receive your knowing words of acknowledgement … thank you, Sis, with The Happiest Ever New Year! ⁓ Richard ❄️

[Laura Kate]

Wow! I absolutely loved this, such bit too when you read it aloud.
Your opening had me hooked straight away;

'Her voice bit into him like lacquered nails
that screeched across the blackboard of his mind;'

Have you read John Steinbeck's East of Eden? Makes me think of our poor old Adam Trask.
I loved it,
Best wishes,
Laura

[Richard🖌]

Ah, yes, Laura 🌸
Poor Adam, the innocent-minded trusting fool, who saw only the good in everyone … a beautiful novel of growing into manhood and fatherhood, learning wisdom the hard way.
By my aunt's prompting, I read East Of Eden as a young lad, along with Catcher In the Rye. My young, pretty aunt taught me many significant things. ; )

What a joyfully gratifying review you've left for this poignantly eye-opening tale, Laura.
And, that you love anything about my writing is encouragement beyond mere words.

My warmest hug of thanks to thee! ⁓ Richard 🍃

[Laura Kate]

You are most welcome Richard! East of Eden is my first encounter with Steinbeck, but I will certainly be reading more of his - as I will yours!
Best,
Laura

[Robert Trakofler]

Yeah but i cant help myself one day i will learn but (no I wont... besides the bunny isn't too flammable.) the cutting conveyance is well formed in this write and i'm glad to see the word coquette being used love the sound of that word!

[Richard🖌]

Ohhh yeah, Robert!
I've suffered that very same malady, more than once. ; )
I agree, "Coquette" is a rather fetching word to perk a man's imagination.

Thanks, M y Fine Friend, for another great review! ⁓ Richard 🍃