Nottingham Knockers

(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

Reviews

[Ayvid N]

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.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks divya. You have a soft heart like my husband. This young man deserved a second chance. I am a little wary because some of these young offenders have sadly used these opportunities to stake out homes which have later been robbed. They do not have a good reputation in our area. You are so kind hearted donating your story books. I really hope the young man who knocked on our door does something with his life and has learned by mistakes of the past.

[Ayvid N]

Indeed, dear Chris, one must be so careful with the safety and security of the house and I absolutely feel that must come before all else. Because, we never know....

You're most welcome. It's always such a pleasure to read of your experiences and the beautiful inferences we draw from them.

[Vol]

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

[Chris Shaw]

I don’t live near Nottingham, although I did visit once on business. Do you have links there?

[Vol]

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.

[Chris Shaw]

Door to door can’t be easy these days. Years ago it was almost the norm. When the door to door callers are offenders that makes it even more difficult. Many thanks Vol for dropping by. I remember my Nan paying her insurance to a door to door salesman.

Chris

[Ken e Bujold]

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

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Ken. I love your word needigans:) My man has a soft heart. I am more wary of door callers and sadly this group of lads haven’t got a very good reputation. The screen wiper has actually been used recently. All good over here, although we are having a cold blast at the moment. Hope all is well with you and thanks for stopping by.

[Ken e Bujold]

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

[Chris Shaw]

Looks so pretty but is a pain in the backside if you have to leave the house :) Wrap up warm.

[Samuel Dickens]

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.

[Chris Shaw]

Oh Sam, you are funny. That title eh? I nearly choked on my tea:))Some are dishonest true, but not all. I have to say my other half is a bit of a soft touch. It’s me that is wary. I’ve always liked sailors by the way. Many thanks for stopping by today.

[Sami Khalil]

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.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Sami. I have to say I was a little wary but my spouse far more sympathetic. Very much of the opinion that people make mistakes so give them a second chance. Especially if they are young. I appreciate your thoughts and your kind visit.

[Sami Khalil]

All true and worthy. You are welcome 😊.

[JENNY]

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.

[Chris Shaw]

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

[JENNY]

Your most welcome Chris. Have a good day

[Dave]

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

[Chris Shaw]

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

[Dave]

I know it"s been a while. I have still been trying to get published! I think it might be happening. I have two novels that are supposed to be appearing on Ama

[Chris Shaw]

I wish you luck and good fortune Dave.

[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:))))))

[Chris Shaw]

Have a wonderful holiday Gee. Plenty of relaxation.. Of course you are so right. Tat is what they sell:))

[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.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Makhabat. Yes, trying to make amends and work for a living. They deserve a second chance. I appreciate your thoughts.

[Shelley Warner]

Awww, such compassion: "Well he's someone's son, says my man, could have been ours"

[Chris Shaw]

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

[Shelley Warner]

You're welcome. Have a nice day.