The Suitor At The Door

     As some of you are aware, I am of Irish descent. I was raised in a manner not known so much today. A manner of “manners” actually, and of courtesy, along with respect for our elders, and most of all for the ladies, ah yes, the ladies. From our “Sainted” mothers to the Sisters of the church, and to any woman or girl, who was not of immoral temperament, (that’s a story for another post) who would be therefore deserving of being treated with the utmost honor. There was also the original “Fear Factor” the fathers, yours or theirs and the inevitable whooping, for not adhering to said decorum.

     Please break out your best brogue for this one, and remember this is how it used to be.. Is everything better today? I don’t think so! 

     Take Tuesday in stride,

Jake.

The Suitor At The Door

 Me mother, used to tell me,

of the days before,

when a gentleman, would always call,

for a lady, at her door.

He would not sit, upon his arse,

in his car, there at the curb,

then blow his horn,

and, all the world, disturb.

♣

And the lass, would not be running,

at some quickened pace,

for her father, would not see it,

til, he’d seen him, face to face.

And judged upon, his character,

his manners, and intent.

Then told the lad, of all the rules,

that would not, be broke, or bent.

♣

Yes, in fact, he’d see her home,

and at, the appointed hour,

and, not a hair or thread, misplaced,

for she was, her daddy’s flower.

Then with a look, nay, more a sneer,

he’d bid them both, goodnight.

Then once more, a final glance,

to fill them both, with fright.

 ♣

Oh yes, that was, the way it be,

and me mother, told me so.

Respect and fear, the guiding force,

and, when that ended, no one knows,

for things are not, like that today,

oh no, just look around,

chivalry and self-respect,

are now rarely, ever found.

♣♣♣

 Jack Downing

Feb. 2011

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