Way Back When

Way Back When

A Poem by Chris Shaw

Albert resides in my mind,
deep in the corridors of my being.
I see him as I always see him,
sitting at his parlour table
waiting for Freda.
Waiting for attention,
feet soaking in warm water.

She enters the memory,
plump in pinafore,
florals wrapped around her frame
ample, slippered and shuffling.
She smiles, lipstick thickly applied
pouting red rimmel
smelling of Californian Poppy.

On the dresser I spy
crockery a medley of old.
Chipped with hairline cracks,
china plates stacked high,
cups on hooks.

"Pour my tea", he orders
and she calmly carries out his wishes,
between washing and drying the dishes
at the kitchen sink.

And then, yes I would hear him say,
"Stir my tea Freed, stir my tea".
Not even a please,
and bugger me without a blink,
without pausing to think, she'd do it.

© 2019 Chris Shaw


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Featured Review

Lie back and think of England, back in the day when equality was a four letter word and the police would bring the panda eyed wife bsck to its owner. It does amaze me how far we have came, within my lifetime and the things that change are hopefully like world war 2 recounts to the current generation. But it is even more amazing how much we havent changed. Make your own lists ladies, extra paper will be provided.
Sadly, there still are some right Alberts around.

Posted 5 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

5 Years Ago

Those were the days Lorry. There has been much change, but there is still room for improvement. No d.. read more
Lorry

5 Years Ago

You're welcome :)



Reviews

Albert days and Freed ways.
Love once meant never having to say "please."
No matter how you figure it, marriage is a kind of enslavement.
A starkly illustrative poem, Chris.
Impressive!


Posted 4 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

4 Years Ago

Times were very different then Jimmy. They were devoted to each other, but as a kid I never did unde.. read more
What a picture of yesteryears ways you paint here in subtle descriptions such that one feels one has been in that kitchen watching them!

Posted 5 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

5 Years Ago

Thank you John. They were both very dear to me.

Chris
Well written interesting poem Chris. Your words certainly paint a bleak picture for the ladies of England. Sorry to say much was the same for the ladies in the States. There has been movement here and I think Trump is seen as the last guard for male domination.
Your writing is always crisp and clean, balanced and free flowing. Well done Sister poet.
Peace,
Richie b.

Posted 5 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

5 Years Ago

Thanks so much richieb, and forgive the lateness of my response. Your visits always appreciated.
read more
It takes real skill to a vignette that can bring to life characters in relatively few lines--well done. [And just for the record, I make my own tea usually, and I even stir it all by myself!]

Posted 5 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

5 Years Ago

Many thanks Nolo for reviewing this poem. Your thoughts very much appreciated. Pleased you stir your.. read more
Oh how I love this, Chris! It was so then that women were conditioned to wait upon their lords and masters unconditionally! So unflinching was their devotion, their servitude. Such conditioning is still common in eastern cultures though things are changing slowly. Now men are being expected to help out with domestic chores though the balance is till tilted in their favour.

I love, just love the way you wrote this poem. Superb characterisation! Great example of show and tell! Enjoyed!

Posted 5 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

5 Years Ago

I really appreciate your response DIVYA. It is quite something when you reflect on how things used t.. read more
I think that even though my mother is lonely after my dads passing, her freedom has been restored somewhat and I really think she enjoys it. she says she gets lonely at times but things she does are for herself now and that makes me happy. this was an awesome societal and familial comment Christine.

Posted 5 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

5 Years Ago

Thank you Crowley. Good to hear about your Mum's new freedom. Some never get to experience that. Hop.. read more
From what i've heard and read there were times when men expected from their women what they took from their mothers. And of course those mothers had seen same between their parents. Now is called submission and domination.. disgusting bad manners heavily weighed in disrespect. Even now i see children being allowed to get away with bad manners, surrounded by adoring parents who allow them to grow up no hasving a clue about 'thank you for.. or would you like..' Manners do maketh man. Old fashioned me, easily charmed by thanks and doors being held open, et al.

Sad but superbly written poetry, Chris, as always. My thoughts go back to 'Sons and Lovers' and the like. Your work is an example of how to bring real life and the imagined alongside each other. Thank you so much for being here in the cafe.

Posted 5 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

5 Years Ago

Thank you Em for your very kind words. Things in the main are very different nowadays,, but that doe.. read more
emmajoy

5 Years Ago

I did understand what you said, meant. It was how it was. Decades vary, behaviour the same, but emo.. read more
Interesting write – it highlights an issue still with us today, albeit more openly discussed than in the past. When liberty is crushed by a dominating and controlling partner, it makes the ‘victim’ feel imprisoned in marriage – not love at all! Great share my friend...:-)

Posted 5 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

5 Years Ago

Different times, different standards. Nowadays this situation would be unthinkable. Their relationsh.. read more
Sentimental Freda: guess she will always subservient be. Glad we have come out of that era! Picture so vivid of what we have come away from!

Posted 5 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

5 Years Ago

Thanks kitty. We have moved a long way. Funny thing is Albert and Freda were devoted to each other. .. read more
kitty

5 Years Ago

?better times? People were definately more tolerant towards each other - more accepting of their 'ro.. read more
Chris Shaw

5 Years Ago

Relationships certainly lasted longer kitty. Albert and Freda stayed married until death.
she has got off very lightly going by my standard of living and I suppose that shows times changing. love is love and times have changed and this must be remembered. great highlight in your poetry.

Posted 5 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

5 Years Ago

There was much love there. Times have indeed changed. She was very happy to wait on him. Thank you d.. read more
duck

5 Years Ago

I get this and all this PC correctness makes people question things like this and they fail to under.. read more
Chris Shaw

5 Years Ago

Love is all there is :)

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Added on January 12, 2019
Last Updated on January 12, 2019

Author

Chris Shaw
Chris Shaw

Berkshire, United Kingdom



About
Albert, my paternal grandfather introduced me to Tennyson when I was nine. I have loved poetry ever since but did not attempt writing a single piece until I was 40. It's never too late to try somethin.. more..

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