A Life Lesson On Men

(from father to teenage daughter many years ago)

act dumb my father said to me
act dumb and you will find
that others will be off their guard
while you stay sharp of mind

act dumb and hold your silence
though keep your eyes alert
for observation is a tool
you’ll need to fend off hurt

and don’t forget those ears of yours
make sure the sound’s switched on
to listen to the winds of change
that whistle loud their song

and as to that soft heart my love
protect it at all costs
surround it well with cotton wool
to save it from sharp frosts

then finally he said to me
these words don’t come so easily
but many men are bloody fools
who like to bend and break the rules

Reviews

[Stu. T.H.]

Quite the authentic work and amazing verses, author Chris Shaw. It lends us quite the deep perception in life and a moment of thoughtful thinking, an educated read ~ !
Thank you for sharing your work and I wish you a good day, author Chris Shaw.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for your very positive review. Most appreciated.

Chris

[Starbaby]

Your father was a wise man who gave sage advice. I enjoyed this immensely for the wit and wisdom imparted, as well as for the effortless way in which it flows.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much. Pleased you enjoyed my Dad’s advice. It has served me well.

Chris

[Julian]

I enjoyed this and must admit I laughed at the concluding lines! How true- many men are buffoons, but hopefully by the time they reach their late stage of maturity they have grasped the folly of their past ways, amended them and moved forward- hopefully NOT leaving a trail of hurt behind them! Of course, if they are of the rare subset of men these days, who have had a truly good father to show the example of being a man, they can often avoid the time wasted on foolishness. I know that would have helped me a bit.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Julian, pleased you enjoyed the read. My Dad had three daughters, two sons. If he’d had his way his daughters wound never have left home lol. My Dad had a great sense of humour. He also had wisdom. Miss him still, thirty two years gone.

Chris

[Julian]

You were blessed to have him - and he was blessed to have you! And humor and wisdom are two of the greatest gifts a father can have and pass on to his children.

[Chris Shaw]

Indeed they are great qualities. Thank you.

[Kaylor Mason]

That is, sadly, very true. Lots of men view themselves as superior to women, and thus take advantage of them. That is why I believe baby sisters are a God-given gift. Baby sisters teach men how to respect women and grow up.

[Chris Shaw]

You are so right. Having sisters certainly makes a difference. Both my brothers had three sisters to contend with. Taught them well, we did lol. I appreciate your thoughts and your visit.

Chris

[Maximus]

I loved this poetry,it carries your honesty in writing and deep effective message. We all act dumb to know each other's reactions... It's a memorable poetry.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Maximus for your encouraging review. Pleased you enjoyed this poem.

Chris

[Dave Brown]

the old Man knew what he was talking about
Past experience??
finally looked up to see where Berkshire is
Can't remember our tour guide taking us there

[Chris Shaw]

My Dad was a good boy. But some of his friends weren’t. We are on the border with Oxford, when you are looking at Move to the Country). Thanks for your visit Dave.

Chris

[Dave Brown]

Ah so!!

[Matthew Kult]

True words are those that try to protect. Giving us a chance in world full of cons and lies. Wonderful read and write.

With love,

Matthew

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Matthew. I appreciate so much your thoughts. Pleased you enjoyed the read.

Peace and Love

Chris

[Sami Khalil]

Your dad was, is a wise man with many life lessons to his beloved daughter; sound advices that will protect, empower and instill.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Sami. I appreciate your visit and your thoughts. Have a good weekend.

Chris

[Sami Khalil]

You too. You are welcome Chris.

[Marvin Thomas Cox-Flynn..]

Chirs,

As a man who knows exactly how we men are and can be, what can I say, but Profound and most thought Provoking truth relevantly revealed and set to pen of page as Wisdom's Sage of sound advice for young ladies everywhere whom just might be contemplating a relationship that could well go south of sour, saddening their lives gone awry with that wrong damn man ... I concur!

Marve

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Marve. You are sounding just like my Dad:) I appreciate your thoughts and your welcome visit.

Chris

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

Great write Chris. Fantastic
Loved it

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks dear Julie. Pleased to see you. All good wishes.

Chris