At first blush it’s only a poem
like others that have gone before
but bide your time, read between the lines
you’ll find it never rains but it pours

First and foremost is the rhyme
it must tickle your fancy just so
and when all is said, and all is done,
the riddle in the rhyme, you’ll know.

Certainly, it does my heart good
to see you here, reading poetry.
I hope my lines today have not
added insult to injury

With all due respect, I beg,
the milk of human kindness from you.
Tho flattery will get you nowhere,
could you spare a good word or two?

Do not damn with faint praise
nor be a fair weather friend.
I can face the music that
your critique will send.

If still waters run deep in here,
it’s a blessing in disguise.
For each line is written to get you,
right between the eyes

So read from top to bottom
I expect no words of praise
but try to count how many
phrases are cliches!