In Lieu of Flattery

Eventually your intentions

Will become clear

Then I shall know

If your words are sincere

Clarity is certain

There is no flawless mask

Your eyes answers questions

That I dare not ask

The wine of flattery

Is mellow and warm

But dissipates quickly

Like hollow charm

I withhold a portion

Of whom I am

Until I am certain

Your love is no sham

Words without honor

Are a loathsome tool

First jilt, a scholar

Second jilt, a fool

J~