If I tell you that you're pretty you won't hear a word If I tell you that your smart you'll call me absurd Were I to say the many ways you brighten the world for me, my breath would be lost in the wind for these words you'd surely rescind Best to gather your attention would be thoughts of condescension Should I, when I want you to heed words as deeply true as my need, start off by calling you ugly, dumb, no talent and virtue free? Then I would know assuredly that you were listening to me