For the Birds
A most veritable villanelle
I won’t be fooled by cunning counterfeit
In a market of lovers selling stock,
If it’s not from you, the birds can have it.
******
Crafted compliments, I don’t want a bit;
Such words are nothing more than idle talk,
I won’t be fooled by cunning counterfeit.
******
Skin meets in simple touch, a perfect fit
As hands embrace and fingers interlock,
If it’s not with you, the birds can have it.
******
Lips pressed together urgent to commit;
A kiss that sprints before it learns to walk,
I won’t be fooled by cunning counterfeit.
******
A precious stone where sunlight glints and flits
On a silver band in a velvet box,
If it’s not from you, the birds can have it.
******
Your affection is all that I’ll permit,
The rest is crumbs I’ll scatter for the flocks.
I won’t be fooled by cunning counterfeit,
If it’s not from you, the birds can have it.
About the Creator
D.K. Shepard
Character Crafter, Witty Banter Enthusiast, World Builder, Unpublished novelist...for now
Fantasy is where I thrive, but I like to experiment with genres for my short stories. Currently employed as a teacher in Louisville.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
Masterful proofreading
Zero grammar & spelling mistakes
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
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Comments (43)
“For the birds” indeed. This is slick-ly done and I can see why it placed in the villanelle challenge, D.K! Congrats! 😊👍
Beautifully written! Congratulations!
Congratulations on your placing in the Villanelle challenge and your top story! 🎉🎉🎉
wow, I enjoy reading something things well-written. Your piece has a good cadence and an easily-digestible message
Congrats, D. K., on both accounts! Very liturgical and heartwarming. Luv it... well deserved. 🫵🏾💯
This was wonderful. Congrats on your win.
Wonderful poem! Well deserved and congrats on your win!
Well deserving of Top Story! "Your affection is all that I’ll permit, The rest is crumbs I’ll scatter for the flocks. I won’t be fooled by cunning counterfeit, If it’s not from you, the birds can have it." Cute photo too... today, I'm wearing new earrings... a green budgie & a yellow one!
Oh wow, this was beautiful, and so real! Congrats on 2nd place, I loved it!
This was very clever and romantic. I really enjoyed it!
congrats on the win and very good form. It was a enjoyable read
Congratulations on your win! Great way to talk about love.
Congratulations ! This is a really clever spin on the topic of love.
Congratulations on 2nd place!!! Your poem was rather crafty. I can see why it gained the attention it deserves. Well Done!!!
Witty and so well crafted! Lots of amazing lines in here. 😍 Congratulations!! Well-deserved 🤗
I love the cadence the refrain of "If it's not from you, the birds can have it" creates when it's repeated throughout the poem. Great job!
love the commitment and the symbolism of birds commiting for life
Congratulations to you too! This is a superb villanelle!
Congratulations on the 2nd place win!!!💕❤️
Very romantic.
Congrats on top story and a well deserved second place victory!
What a great combination of whimsy and romance. I really loved it. Congrats on 2nd place!
Congrats on this getting second place, a definite winner in my book but what do I know. Congrats all the same!
Very beautiful! Congrats!
“The rest is crumbs I’ll scatter for the flocks…” this part gave me goosebumps, truly lovely. Congratulations!