Way Back When

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.

Reviews

[Lorry]

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.

[Chris Shaw]

Those were the days Lorry. There has been much change, but there is still room for improvement. No doubt there are still a few Albert's around. Thank you.

Chris

[Lorry]

You're welcome :)

[Ryan I]

Such a vivid memory! Thank you for sharing!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Ryan for your visit. I appreciate you checking in. All good wishes.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

Now for the most part, each partner volunteers to be at “beckon call” like birds in season do their part. Much to be said for both periods of time, as long as there is no violence. “For better or worse” until forever. truly delicate poetry in pinafore style. Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Pat for your lovely response to my piece of pinafore poetry. Albert and Freda were devoted to each other.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

You are welcome... love conquers all... devotion is never out of style. Pat

[Papaya]

I've seen this scene many times growing up and learned a lot from it.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Ana, I saw it in my grandparents and yet they were devoted to each other. Times have changed.

Chtis

[Fran Marie]

Thankfully those days are in the past..women being subservient to men..today's woman would have thrown that tea in his face and I dare say would have done so much worse. .nicely expressed

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Fran Marie. Yes that type of behaviour would hardly be acceptable today. Back then, it was almost the norm. MNy thanks.

Chris

[john l smith]

Nice to read of a woman who knows her place!!!!!
What!! owch!! argh!! I, I, aahh!! was just kidding, no no !! kidding, just joking!!!

How times have changed??
I know a couple who have completely reversed the family tradition
She has a day job, and he stirs her tea and they are both quite happy
Dave B

[Chris Shaw]

Times have changed, and if he is happy to do it whilst she earns the bread and it works that's OK. I don't like that old thingy where a woman's place is in the kitchen :) Still a bit of it about, but vast improvements have been made. Thanks Dave.

Chris

[Shawn Odette]

Poetry is not my thing but this was powerful. It illustrates how much the world has changed yet I still see remnants of this behavior today. Thankfully, the culture continues to evolve, and while we may not have achieved total equality, and many question whether we ever will, we are moving further and further away from the memories I had as a child of my father running the household like a tyrant king and my mother no greater than the peasants my siblings and I were. I am grateful I didn't turn out the same as he but I can't help but wonder how different I would be if I lived a hundred years ago.

Again, great job! Your poem served its purpose by eliciting a strong response from me.

Shawn

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Shawn. So pleased I could entice you to cross to poetry. Your response hits the nail on the head. Thankfully we are seeing change. Pleased to welcome you to my page.

Chris

[Mrudula Rani]

Chris, Your memories of Albert and Freda's domestic life is fascinating and frightening at the same time. Freda probably settled for Albert thinking that is the best she could get. It is sort of a Stockholm syndrome isn't it? Your beautifully structured poem calmly states facts of life, like an outsider watching them up close.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Mrudula. Times have changed a great deal. This type of behaviour was quite common in those days. Women belonged to their men and did what they were told. Thank goodness there has been a shift in thinking. All good wishes.

Chris

[Jade]

SIMPLY LOVED the last two stanza's the most, this is really good. It's Heartfilled

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Brandie Jade. Hard to believe that was the norm years ago.

Chris