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 🖌

[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🖌

[Susan 🦋]

Ha! When you explain it that way, who could argue? A woman, that's who. ;-) It needs a rebuttal! (all in good fun :)

I never said I doubt your love,
you are my world and so much more.
No more devoted could I be to you,
I'm the only lady you should adore!

Alas, I consider you such a flirt!
and, oh my dear, you can't prove otherwise.
I'm sure your actions never meant to hurt,
it's true you flirt; I see with my own eyes.

And now, yes my dear we are truly through!
Before I go, then pray consider this:
You have an eye for other gals, it's true...
But me, my love, one day you'll surely miss!

:-) Just having a little fun. It's a fun, fliryt and witty little piece! Perfect picture too! :-))

[Richard🖌]

Well, it seems my charms won't work on You.
There's but one thing left for me to do;
I'll have to tame my flirty eyes,
concentrate on my own true prize.

And, if yet, it's not too late
I'll not there tarry nor hesitate,
but stop long-side the stone-paved road,
down where the clear brook's always flowed.

Gather you up wildflowers bright,
so you will know my flirty sight
sees naught now but my lovely thee;
come here dear lass, sit on my knee.

I'll share desires you never heard,
you'll sigh upon my every word,
and one more thing … I'll tell you this,
"I'll still flirt (with You) in every kiss."

···~~~···~~~···~~//~~~···~~~···~~~···

A cute, sweet, fun review, Susan 😏
Just what I needed … a smart, lovely poetess to put me in my place!

WINK*

[Susan 🦋]

Touché! Haha Richard! A perfect comeback. 😊 You win. That made me smile .

[Richard🖌]

Your happy smile is all that matters✨

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

Great retort, Susan. Well done!

[Einstein Noodle]

too cool sir! full of fun and romance ... a poem all men with flirtatious "eyes" should commit to memory .. good stuff says i!
E.

[Richard🖌]

Ahhh, My Ol' Ozark Buddy 🌿

I might'a known you'd stumble 'cross this cute little ode to the wanderin' eye.
Yeah! We gotta let 'em know, though our eye may rove, they're the only ones who hold our smitten hearts.

Thanks, Gene … I hope you're keeping warm 'n dry on the beautiful, snowy mountainside.
One day I'll tell you about when I lived in Morrilton. ⁓ Richard🖌

[Einstein Noodle]

we did get cold and snow and then a bit of ice... played havoc with the grid .. thank the Lord i have a generator .. i was without power for almost 4 days .. many many trees down and roads closed ... i just hunkered down .. i'm intrigued about your story on Morrilton now .. ;)

[heavenscentgirl1]

A V ERY SWEET ROMANTIC POEM TO WARM ONESELF ON A CHILLLY DAY RIChard Mj😇

[Richard🖌]

Thanks, Mary Jo,
I thought you might get a kick outta this'n.

Keep warm, by any 'n all means! ⁓ Richard🖌

[heavenscentgirl1]

MOST CERTAINLY RiICHARD,
HUGS AND BLESSINGS, MJ 🤗🙏😇

[lightsong]

Lol I guess every man in the world is a "F L I R T", so it's ok... your last line sets our hearts both to tender sadness and lovely warmth, it is the ultimate only truth that should be considered. Thank You for the sweet smile this evening Syr.

[Richard🖌]

And, Ms Ghounwah,

From my manly viewpoint, every lady can be a lovely flirt, too. ; )
So true, your words of wisdom ring to an olde bard's eager ear.

Your sweet smile makes all my efforts feel sooo worthwhile.
Warmest hugs to You* ⁓ Richard🖌