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.

[Stuart Munro]

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 ,

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Stuart. I guess cold calling takes guts. I don’t think I would like to do it. Pleased you stopped by today.

[Stuart Munro]

It’s a pleasure , Chris

[Relic]

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

[Chris Shaw]

Now lemonade on a hot day might be welcome:) Thanks for checking in Tim. Very much appreciated.

[JessyJacob]

i agree. lemonade on a hot day.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you jessyjacob.

[JessyJacob]

you are most welcome chris.

[JessyJacob]

Thank you and you are welcome Relic.

[Relic]

...................... 😊

[willweb]

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

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you will. So true what you say. Have a happy Wednesday.

[Tom]

Shades of Del boy from that iconic comedy series ' Only fools & horses ' yep, god bless hooky street!

Quality real life writing, muchly enjoyed! 😎

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Tom. Oh Del boy lol. Just loved that series. I appreciate you stopping by.

[W. Barrett Munn]

This walked the fine line between tongue in cheek and serious and did it perfectly. A class display of your talent, Chris.

Winston

[Chris Shaw]

You are very generous Winston. Thanks for stopping by. Have a good Tuesday.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

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?

[Chris Shaw]

Giving is an act of kindness J. Thanks so much for your thoughts. Have a good Tuesday.

[Fabian G. Franklin]

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.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Fabian, there are some religious groups we avoid like the plague. I’d much rather give a young offender the benefit of doubt. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts.

[Fabian G. Franklin]

Ditto. and yes.

[Patricia Wedel]

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

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Pat for your generous
thoughts. Have a lovely Tuesday.

[Ken Simm.]

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.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Ken. We don’t get them calling that often, but sadly many are wary of opening their doors to them. I appreciate your time. Have a good day.

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

I think we all dread this. They are either selling or trying to save us. I'd rather be left alone.

Well done.

[Chris Shaw]

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