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.

[John the Baptist]

Be thankful. They could have been Jehovah's Witnesses.

[Chris Shaw]

Niw that did put a smile on my face. Thanks John.

[andrew mitchell]

Everybody deserves a better path than the one he had before. Let’s hope he sticks to it.

[Chris Shaw]

I hope he makes a go of it too Andrew. Anyone can make a mistake. Thank you.

[red93]

What a sweet guy your other half Chris. Excellent ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Tony. He has a kind soul. I appreciate your thoughts as always. Have a good Sunday my friend.

[Lorry]

I think Micky Flanagan ruined that trade for a lot of people with his tale of Nan keeping a cup of cold something at the door for anyone silly enough to knock on doors at a second past nine. 😊

[Chris Shaw]

Ha! It was a day visit. If I see them in the area I don’t answer the door. My other half was expecting a delivery. Got the wrong sort. That cup of cold something sounds nasty! Thanks Lorry. Hope you are starting to feel more like your usual self. Are you getting there yet??

[Lorry]

Yes. Taste is returning but still small appetite. Don't worry though, no chance of fading into transparency.
Had a caramel wafer with my coffee this morning, which is always a good sign.

[Chris Shaw]

You are definitely on the mend. If you can face a caramel wafer early in the morning, with your coffee, you are getting back on track:)

[Lorry]

I feel sorry for other countries that don't know tunnocks 😊

[Stella Armour]

aww bless him for being so vulnerable .....

[Chris Shaw]

He is such a kind man. He likes to help everyone. As far as he is concerned everyone deserves a second chance. Thanks Stella.