A Compliment vs Flattery

gray0328

 

A compliment lands gently, like autumn leaves  

Falling for the ground, not themselves.  

It wears no agenda, carries no price,  

Isn't waiting for applause or permission.  

 

Flattery, though, is a slick salesman,  

Smiling with polished teeth,  

Borrowing kindness as currency,  

Debt-laden words dressed in sugar.  

 

A compliment seeks to lift,  

To shine a mirror brighter than regret,  

To offer without asking,  

To pause long enough for gratitude to bloom.  

 

Flattery asks to be repaid before it rests.  

It laces its tongue with expectation,  

Not a gift, but a trade,  

A handshake that squeezes too tight.  

 

So listen for the space it leaves

Does it echo with ease or demand?  

Because not all beautiful words  

Are meant for you.

  • Author: gray0328 (Online Online)
  • Published: October 23rd, 2026 09:19
  • Category: Unclassified
  • Views: 4
Comments +

Comments2



To be able to comment and rate this poem, you must be registered. Register here or if you are already registered, login here.