“There is no effect more disproportionate to its cause than the happiness bestowed by a small compliment.”  ~Robert Brault

Watering Flowers

There was a flower named Woman
Who, much like other flowers
Needed watering to bloom
But the name of these showers

Were “compliment” and “gratitude”
“Acknowledgement” and “praise”
These simple words of kindness made
This flower’s petals raise

Unfortunate to say the least
That there were very few
Who made the effort to water
These flowers so they grew

The thought was silly to most men
Who felt abashed to say
Anything that would help these
Flowers bloom all the way

Or if they didn’t think it silly
Then they were afraid
That despite good intentions, the
Flower would be dismayed

Harassment, innuendo, or
Some other type of tease
Said only to get something
So they themselves could please

One truth about the world is that
There are so few who speak
Words that are not intended
To be a harsh critique

There are so few who compliment
That any flattery
Will almost always be taken
With elation and glee

“You look nice today,” “I love
What you’ve done with your hair”
“You have a lovely smile,” few men
Ever seem to dare

“You’re beautiful,” “You’re gorgeous,”
“You are stunning,” “You’re so cute”
Every man can say these things
But most of them are mute

But pay attention if you have
The guts to say these things
You men, look closely, see what kind of
Radiance it brings

To Woman’s face when she’s watered
With this kind of affection
The pure smile, the joyful eyes
And rosy, warm complexion

So speak up, men, be Warriors
Not just with swords and spears
But with your words which can be liquid
Life to Woman’s ears

                                                 ~for Luana

“There is no effect more disproportionate to its cause than the happiness bestowed by a small compliment.”  ~Robert Brault

Watering Flowers

There was a flower named Woman
Who, much like other flowers
Needed watering to bloom
But the name of these showers

Were “compliment” and “gratitude”
“Acknowledgement” and “praise”
These simple words of kindness made
This flower’s petals raise

Unfortunate to say the least
That there were very few
Who made the effort to water
These flowers so they grew

The thought was silly to most men
Who felt abashed to say
Anything that would help these
Flowers bloom all the way

Or if they didn’t think it silly
Then they were afraid
That despite good intentions, the
Flower would be dismayed

Harassment, innuendo, or
Some other type of tease
Said only to get something
So they themselves could please

One truth about the world is that
There are so few who speak
Words that are not intended
To be a harsh critique

There are so few who compliment
That any flattery
Will almost always be taken
With elation and glee

“You look nice today,” “I love
What you’ve done with your hair”
“You have a lovely smile,” few men
Ever seem to dare

“You’re beautiful,” “You’re gorgeous,”
“You are stunning,” “You’re so cute”
Every man can say these things
But most of them are mute

But pay attention if you have
The guts to say these things
You men, look closely, see what kind of
Radiance it brings

To Woman’s face when she’s watered
With this kind of affection
The pure smile, the joyful eyes
And rosy, warm complexion

So speak up, men, be Warriors
Not just with swords and spears
But with your words which can be liquid
Life to Woman’s ears

                                                 ~for Luana