Nottingham Knockers

Nottingham Knockers

A Poem by Chris Shaw
"

(door to door sales)

"
too late
Nottingham Knockers
have found our doorbell
and the man of the house
has been caught short

taken by surprise
i can see by the look in his eyes
he is going to part with cash
before the minute hand
reaches o’clock

young offenders
on a mission to rehabilitate
selling what can only be called
crap at sky high prices
let the bartering start

such a polite young man
bids me good morning
as my spouse with a soft heart
peruses the stock in an
overstuffed duffle bag

what he said
you must be joking
poking around for something
that might have possibilities
of being partially useful

settles for a screen scraper
well there’s ice about
in February cold
boldly knocks down the price
opens his wallet

flashes his cash
a fiver or nothing at all
a be thankful for small mercies
smiles back
the deal is done

well he’s someone’s son
says my man
could have been ours

© 2023 Chris Shaw


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Featured Review

This is a wonderful poem Chris, because it speaks to me of a cause I have always kept very close to my heart. That of rehabilitation of these young offenders. Maybe, I'm just an emotional sucker but I just feel sorry for them like your so generous husband does. I'm in the process of donating a lot of my storybooks to the local jail library. Thank you for this lovely experience you shared with us. I hope the young man gains richly in learning from your husband 's kindness.

Posted 1 Year Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

1 Year Ago

Thanks divya. You have a soft heart like my husband. This young man deserved a second chance. I am a.. read more
Ayvid N

1 Year Ago

Indeed, dear Chris, one must be so careful with the safety and security of the house and I absolute.. read more



Reviews

If you live near Nottingham, have you heard of a tiny community called "Lindsey?"

Posted 1 Year Ago


Chris Shaw

1 Year Ago

I don’t live near Nottingham, although I did visit once on business. Do you have links there?
I have done door to door sales... insurance, and a product that was valuable and super chep to make, and therefore cheap to buy... closest thing to counterfeiting I've ever seen... but I got too old.

Posted 1 Year Ago


Chris Shaw

1 Year Ago

Door to door can’t be easy these days. Years ago it was almost the norm. When the door to door cal.. read more
great title, great story poem. I do identify with your man...I too can be a sucker for generosity when confronted at the door by such needigans.

hope all is well across the pond C

Ken

Posted 1 Year Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

1 Year Ago

Hello Ken. I love your word needigans:) My man has a soft heart. I am more wary of door callers and .. read more
Ken e Bujold

1 Year Ago

am good, but grouchy this morning, just got about 4 inches of that dastardly white stuff
Chris Shaw

1 Year Ago

Looks so pretty but is a pain in the backside if you have to leave the house :) Wrap up warm.
You've disarmed my ongoing views with those last words. I have a tendency to dislike door knockers and quickly send them away, but my wife will not--just opposite you and your husband. I guess I associate dishonesty with sales people. They vary, however, and sometimes they do take me in.
Dirty old sailor here--before reading, your title had me thinking of something entirely different.

Posted 1 Year Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

1 Year Ago

Oh Sam, you are funny. That title eh? I nearly choked on my tea:))Some are dishonest true, but not a.. read more
Wow! On one hand, you want to help those offenders, but on the other hand, it can be hard to trust them given what they have done to others. Not sure what the answer for that. Some people deserve a second chance. Some abuse it unfortunately.
Your husband felt the empathy.
An excellent poem with a real life message.

Posted 1 Year Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

1 Year Ago

Thank you Sami. I have to say I was a little wary but my spouse far more sympathetic. Very much of t.. read more
Sami Khalil

1 Year Ago

All true and worthy. You are welcome 😊.
Well every parent see their children in other young people . But to help without pitying someone is justified deed a wise person do. It’s as amazing as your every work my dear friend. Have a nice day.

Posted 1 Year Ago


0 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

1 Year Ago

Many thanks dear Jenny. You are always so generous with your reviews.
JENNY

1 Year Ago

Your most welcome Chris. Have a good day
Chris, from having read so much of what you have written, I just know that you have a soft heart. It doesn't surprise me that you would be so kind to these Knockers.
Take care - Dave

Posted 1 Year Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

1 Year Ago

Thank you Dave. Good to see you stop by. Hope all is well in your world.
Dave

1 Year Ago

I know it"s been a while. I have still been trying to get published! I think it might be happening.. read more
Chris Shaw

1 Year Ago

I wish you luck and good fortune Dave.
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Gee
They do sell some tat don't they and we, the soft hearted, buy it.
Morning Christine, Hope all is well.
Off to Thailand today so will catch up.on your recent posts whilst relaxing in the sunshine:))))))

Posted 1 Year Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

1 Year Ago

Have a wonderful holiday Gee. Plenty of relaxation.. Of course you are so right. Tat is what they se.. read more
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M
I didn't realise door to door salemen still existed. I am constantly at the mercy of telemarketer's however, so almost one and the same. I'd imagine it is a great breach of privacy to be imposed upon on your doorstep and be forced to buy something. Your final lines did make a solid point in their favour, though.....we all need to earn a living and despite the nuisance factor, at least they are trying. I appreciate the sympathy your spouse displayed.

Posted 1 Year Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

1 Year Ago

Thank you Makhabat. Yes, trying to make amends and work for a living. They deserve a second chance... read more
Awww, such compassion: "Well he's someone's son, says my man, could have been ours"

Posted 1 Year Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

1 Year Ago

He has a soft heart and is very caring. Thank you Shelley.
Shelley Warner

1 Year Ago

You're welcome. Have a nice day.

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26 Reviews
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Added on February 18, 2023
Last Updated on February 18, 2023

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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