Sweet Flattery Poem by Zvikomborero Chirema

Sweet is flattery, Smooth like honey,
But there jealousy lies, pretense has made abode.
Wary I've been of an admirer's company
The critique I've welcomed, listened to every word.
Compliments from friends were exaggerated,
From enemies meant naught, but a fate unexpected.
Yet whether foe or ally, sincerity was found in rebuke
Yeah, even in the ugly places there found I the truth
Seductive is flattery, beautiful like a rose
Slow thy haste to pick, forget not the thorns.