Insincere praise

Insincere praise

So much of the compliments given

Are spread with the basest intent.

Self-serving, such praises are driven;

You’re never quite sure what they meant.

Like waitress who tells me I’m handsome

(Though truth of her statement is clear)

She’s angling for tip like a ransom —

Else why should such praising appear?

Disgusted, forsaking pretensions,

Such smarminess ever I’ll bar;

But say — did I happen to mention

Just what a good reader you are?

Don Munday