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

[Ayvid N]

So many great messages here Tom...Our loved ones never give up on us. There is joy and cheer to find if only sought keenly enough. And how an awesome game can turn things around, help us connect with ourselves, find happiness again. I love just love the fabulous humor in the concluding lines....Was away for a bit and came back to this delightful read. Thanks for sharing, dear Tom.

[Tom]

Thank you Divya, so happy to know my poem gave you a chuckle !

[Ayvid N]

A chuckle and many smiles indeed and so much to think about on this warm Sunday afternoon. Its a pleasure Tom!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

leading by example means more than any speeches...

i like the way you present your themes through interesting and fun stories.

j.

[Tom]

Thank you Jacob, yes indeed, sort of my style and it seems to work!

[Neville]

Absolutely bril Tom, you had me smiling throughout & laughing out loud at the end. I reckon you have a winner here for sure. Keep em coming, some of us out here need cheering up.........N

[Tom]

So glad I brightened your day Neville, and thanks as ever for stopping by my friend!

[Neville]

My pleasure.... PM'd ya Tom

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Absolutely marvellous poem! Classic, eloquent language, perfect rhyme pattern in unseparated quatrains- funny and SO CLEVER! Lord Fortescue saved by his Lady and Smithers the butler- just a lively, lovely, Chaucerian romp. Great my friend!

[Tom]

Thank you Annette for your appreciation and wonderful review!