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

I used to work for a millionaire antique dealer , he started off knocking on a door and buying two candlesticks , myself I couldn’t do that , too embarrassing , my grandparents used to sell insurance in the early days , I really like your Poem Chris ,

Posted 1 Year Ago


0 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

1 Year Ago

Thank you Stuart. I guess cold calling takes guts. I don’t think I would like to do it. Pleased yo.. read more
Stuart Munro

1 Year Ago

It’s a pleasure , Chris
I rarely get youngsters at my door. Ususally someone is selling solar panels or preaching about God's ways. I did buy some lemonade from some over-exuberant young girls one day screaming for attention in front of their house. I doubt they would remember me again unless they were selling more lemonade. lol

Posted 1 Year Ago


JessyJacob

1 Year Ago

you are most welcome chris.
JessyJacob

1 Year Ago

Thank you and you are welcome Relic.
Relic

1 Year Ago

...................... 😊
Now this was a heart touching poetic story. Giving always feels good no matter what you get in return. Wonderfully written my friend.

Posted 1 Year Ago


Chris Shaw

1 Year Ago

Thank you will. So true what you say. Have a happy Wednesday.
Shades of Del boy from that iconic comedy series ' Only fools & horses ' yep, god bless hooky street!

Quality real life writing, muchly enjoyed! 😎

Posted 1 Year Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

1 Year Ago

Thanks Tom. Oh Del boy lol. Just loved that series. I appreciate you stopping by.
This walked the fine line between tongue in cheek and serious and did it perfectly. A class display of your talent, Chris.

Winston

Posted 1 Year Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

1 Year Ago

You are very generous Winston. Thanks for stopping by. Have a good Tuesday.
this is so heartwarming....they say it is the thought that counts...
yes, and sometimes we may get nothing out of the deal, but giving is everything, isn't it?

Posted 1 Year Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

1 Year Ago

Giving is an act of kindness J. Thanks so much for your thoughts. Have a good Tuesday.
I enjoyed this. We don't get any door to door salespeople here. We get a few religious groups now and then. I always engage them in polite conversation and they never come back. It seems they are only interested in the doctrine they propound and none other. Imagine that.

Posted 1 Year Ago


Chris Shaw

1 Year Ago

Dear Fabian, there are some religious groups we avoid like the plague. I’d much rather give a youn.. read more
Fabian G. Franklin

1 Year Ago

Ditto. and yes.
dear Chris... "Kindness" above all will follow you like
Kittens looking for a "home". A touching Vignette from a
beautiful Soul. tenderly, Pat

Posted 1 Year Ago


0 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

1 Year Ago

Thank you dear Pat for your generous
thoughts. Have a lovely Tuesday.
Oh excellent Chris. Don't get many of those up here but I do remember the various sundry young people come calling when I live down south. Excellently constructed.

Posted 1 Year Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

1 Year Ago

Many thanks Ken. We don’t get them calling that often, but sadly many are wary of opening their do.. read more
I think we all dread this. They are either selling or trying to save us. I'd rather be left alone.

Well done.

Posted 1 Year Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

1 Year Ago

Thank you Linda. I appreciate your thoughts and your visit. Have a good Monday.

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479 Views
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



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