Some thrills come strange and vile enough

One colours, quails, hopes none will ever know

That's why confessing's never truly off the cuff

For pleasures that are nasty, ill, and low

Confession, though, is humbly healing too

At least that's what so many folk proclaim

So here's the skinny! shameful thing, but true

Indeed, it really happened - feel fully free to blame

Or snigger, sigh . . . could even try all three together!

Early on in posting here, one day, within a "comment"

Emoji hearts showed up, bright red, and o! the piercing pleasure

Shock I got! so far outstripped what had in fact been meant

I burned, brimmed, blushed - at once! - from brow to trembling toe

Felt hot endorphin rush, felt fevered flutter in my breast

Ignorant, back then (not so bright now!) just did not know

That those rich ruby love hearts were so oft pressed

On many sundry works, and not especially on mine

On dozens, scores, and more! all in mere seconds' time

Hearts and stars did not mean words were read, found strong or fine

But that to "vote + comment" on each blank verse, each rhyme

Was an agreed transaction, a brisk trade back and forth

Climaxing in that spurt! a wild emoji spending spree . . .

(With every comment deemed of same quick countdown worth

Swift click deposit of sweet hearts, bright stars was clearly key)

Bit wiser now, think I at last begin to comprehend

A little more of what a 'comment' truly ought to be

And though ashamed, of course, abashed by the sad blend

Of wanton neediness and naked chimp-style vanity

Aroused in silly me by those first hits of hot red heart

Now I see comment wisdom there, as well as thrift

To save one's peacock thoughts & words for one's own art

For all involved may be, at times, the very greatest gift.

More so since one can never really, fully know

Which proffered comments will be ill- or well-received

While blush-cheeked smilies, stars, and rosy hearts, can't go

Awry - one surely can't be wounded or aggrieved

By starry 'votes' or comment valentines of red or pink

They're sweetly pure, right? purely sweet in meaning

And that's what's lusted for . . . so, just don't overthink!

No call for in-depth reads, slow-paced gleaning

Or query-rich perusals, not when these bright emojis

Step right up to centre stage, hold it so very well

Plump rose red hearts? bright orange stars? indeed, yes please!

They state you're great, like all the rest, and that feels . . . swell!

***

Dedicated to swelling Frogs 🐸, proud-prancing Peacocks 🦚, and look-at-me Chimpanzees 🐵 - all part of the beloved and utterly essential menagerie ❤️ ♥️ 💜