Fortescue's dilemna?

LBW = leg before wicket = ball would have hit wicket instead of leg hence batsman is out! Often controversial as it is perceived and judged so by the umpire ( referee )

Lord Fortescue could not sit alone

and bide away precious time,
always by the book, no babbling brook
straight talking his regime

A retired colonel, a decorated career
served King and country well,
though civvy street, gave him itchy feet
so he began to rebel

After dinner parties at his grand home
guests, ceremoniously drilled,
and any gentleman, whose boots were bland
made aware of his déshabillé

And when the vicar called for weekly visit
he too, subject of short shrift,
shown the front door, for nothing more
than asking for philanthropic gift

Though once a colonel, his wife, the general
finally had enough,
the good Fortescue name, must not be shamed
so took him by the scruff

"Horace, my fine fellow, now listen here
relinquish your dominion,
accept your station or take permanent vacation
none regard, inflated opinion!"

But Smithers the family butler, long standing
listening with keen antenna,
knew the master's malcontent, not his natural bent
sought cure for this dilemma

He organised a local cricket match
the venue, Fortescue's estate,
his Lordship chipper, appointed himself skipper
of that, there was no debate

A fine, competitive game ensued
Fortescue led by example,
his innings prolific, his leadership terrific
courageously, he bore the mantle

Out LBW on ninety-nine, adjudged by umpire Smithers
but acceptingly, he departed,
as applause pulsated, reputation reinstated
ne'er again, stand-offish nor cold hearted

The old military officer, now back to former self
willow replaced, the swagger-stick,
aided by stellar gent, Smithers, his manservant
knew what made the master tick

And as for Lady Fortescue, a woman of substance
content the worm had turned
no more in dread, her husband brings his bat to bed
between them, things now feel firm!

Author's Note

1.Willow = wood of a cricket bat 2. Swagger stick = carried by military officers of rank

And thankfully it ended well!

Reviews

[barleygirl]

What an imagination! I couldn’t have guessed where this was going, at any point while I was reading! A never-ending surprise, which is something I like in a whimsical written message! It’s kinda strange to feel the combination of lofty Shakespearean style language crafted into a modernistic rhyming riff. I also like contrasts like that. You tell a multi-layered poetic story portraying charming characters & playfulness abounding. I especially love the naughty ending, which is a position we all hope to achieve, huh? *smile* Fondly, Margie

[Tom]

Thank you barleygirl

[Sami Khalil]

"than asking for philanthropic gift

Though once a colonel, his wife, the general
finally had enough,
the good Fortescue name, must not be shamed"

[Sami Khalil]

Tale of humor in realistic fothcomings and expectations. I like to learn cricket so I can understand all the moves and terminology. I'm glad it all ended well after the dilemma. Masterful poet...thank you

[Tom]

Thank you Sami 🏏

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome Tom. Happy New Year.

[marilyn 1225]

lol what a phenomenal writer!! love the last part you also have the gift of being able to rhyme... no matter what word... great write indeed love its humor and fun!!

[Tom]

Again Marilyn, thank you for your thoughtful and wonderful appraisal of my story/poem, you know me now, I do like a little fun twist at the end!

[Einstein Noodle]

ahahahaha! a fine rollicking tale well told ..very much enjoyed the rhyme, cadence and the game ..good to see false pride replaced with something far more substantive ;)))
E.

[Tom]

Lol E. The proof always is in the pudding !!

Thank you Sir for your astute and worldly assimilation!

[Einstein Noodle]

and thank you sir for sharing your poem .. perfect name for the gentleman by the way ..

[Norman 223]

I say, old man - taking the old bat to bed --it's just not cricket , you know.!!!!
Loved the narrative though.:-D

[Tom]

Love your so appropriate and appreciated analogy Norman, thank you my friend!

[Lydia Shutter]

Smiling here.....brings his bat to bed, eh? :) Loved this one, Tom. The butler knew best. All the Lord needed was a decisive win on the cricket field. Now the Lady and the Lord can live happily ever after. There was just the right amount of tongue in cheek humor here and, as always, great rhythm and rhyme. I enjoyed thoroughly. Lydi**

[Tom]

Thank you Lydia, yes, you know my style so well, tongue & cheek is hard to beat! lol..

[Great Aunt Astri]

His wife was going to send him on permanent vacation, just because the Lord Fortescue had been made to feel superior? Ah, the faithful servant, knew what to do . Sometimes a good sports match brings reality into a situation. I am so glad it all ended well. Enjoyable read.

[Tom]

Thank you Great Aunti for your appreciation and welcome visit!

[emmajoy]

What wonderfully clever and witty language, Tom!
Your phrasing told a rhythmic tale so well, smiled here and ther, especially at the finish..( giggling again.. won't say why). Your mind.. your thinking.. swerves corners, you know -. the way in which you use words so cleanly to create, for example here,

' Out LBW on ninety-nine, adjudged by umpire Smithers
but acceptingly, he departed,
as applause pulsated, reputation reinstated
ne'er again, stand-offish nor cold hearted '

[Tom]

This poem has made a few giggle, wonder why?

Thank you Emma, for your welcome visit and complimentary words!

[emmajoy]

Why? I know, I know. - because we all need giggles.. :)

[John Alexander McFadyen]

A classic tale told in 'Kiplinesque' style and with panache and swagger a plenty.

[Tom]

Thank you John!