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

[Marie]

An excellent choice of painting to complement this classic write on a subject which is known the world over and since the dawn of time too! Inked in quatrains, the poem glides beautifully like ski's on ice! I am amazed that the lover does not deny flirting with other women, most do! But, I admire the fair maid for making the correct decision for her and tossing her lover with the roving eyes aside because such a relationship is problematic from the beginning to the end. It is not a nice experience to have! Eyes should only see the one we love, but that is only my belief, dear Richard :) A beautifully structured poem, bitter-sweet! Words are toys in your hands and goodness how you play them! Exceptional write! Delightful and so special! I enjoyed reading so very much and thank you for sharing, dear poet.

[Richard🖌]

Ahhh, Dearest Marie 😉

Me thinks a wandering eye is partner to the helpless heart … each, the gifted essence of our human nature. Truly, though, we need not surrender to their nearly irresistible allure. ; )
I always cherish your reviews, M'Lady … for, each speaks from the depths of a wise and knowing poetess' mind, heart, and soul.
You certainly know how to leave a bard feeling his humble efforts are appreciated, admired, and enjoyed.

Your wonderfully embracing compliments are as precious pearls strung upon a golden thread, to adorn a bard's most gratefully delighted eye.

With a warm 'n flirty hug! 🤗
Thank you, Marie ⁓ Richard 🖌

[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🖌

[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

[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)