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

[andrew mitchell]

Top notch advice Chris. Especially men whom do more harm than good. So nicely written.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Andrew. Pleased you enjoyed this poem.

Chris

[Zoe Richardson]

Oh, my lovely Chris! How well I identify with this poem. I wish someone had divested me of my romantic illusions. Of course, my father's approach was 'No boys. Ever. Go to your room!' Bless your soft heart and thank you for your write. It is amazing!

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Zoe. My Dad had three daughters. If he’d had his way, all of us would have remained at home with him and my mum:) As for my two brothers, well quite a different story:) I love your review. Thank you so much :)

Chris

[Vol]

Chris,
You have a wise father.
What you say is true, milady, I was speaking with a truly beautiful woman who had an easy laugh and no visible bitterness in her eyes. She was an Air Force Vet, had successfully raised four sons and a daughter, and became a nuclear scientist. She told me of her first husband who would beat her. I am flummoxed and ashamed first, and angry beyond words. Any man who deliberately hurts a woman should spend weeks on the town square, locked in stocks and on public display.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Vol, it is true there is much violence and control directed towards women. Some have lives of misery. I was fortunate enough to have a very caring Dad who adored my mum, until his last breath. I appreciate your thoughts and your visit. Many thanks and all best wishes.

Chris

[Andrew John]

Some good advice. This will teach me to keep my ears open and mouth shut! Nice one, Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Andrew. Appreciate you stopping by.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

I do like the old wisdom in the poetry dear Chris. My grandfather had so many saying. I repeat them now to my grandchildren. Thank you dear friend for sharing the amazing poetry and your thoughts.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Coyote for your kind visits today. Hope the rest of your day goes well. All good wishes.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

Good morning dear Chris and you are welcome. Easy Winter in Michigan, so far. And you are welcome.

[Dave]

Chris - As a father of two daughters, I so agree with Fabian. Like, I assume most fathers, when I found I was to be a dad. I was hoping for a boy. I was there for the birth of my two angel girls. I got to hold them both before their mother. I'm extremely prejudiced, but girls are, in my mind, the BEST!!
Take care Chris - Dave

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Dave. May your daughters always be a blessing to you. All good wishes.
read moreThank you so much Dave. May your daughters always be a blessing to you. All good wishes.

Chris

[FGFRANKLIN]

When you're the father of a son, you worry about your son. When you're the father of a daughter (I have two) you worry about everybody else's son. Sounds like good fatherly advice.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Fabian for the thoughts you shared. So true regarding daughters. I appreciate your visit. read moreThanks Fabian for the thoughts you shared. So true regarding daughters. I appreciate your visit.

Chris

[red93]

Fabulous Chris and well up to yr usual high Standards. A wise man yr Father definitely. Excellent ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[Chris Shaw]

Many Thanks Tony for your encouragement. Have a great weekend.

Chris

[fallon]

Oh wow! I absolutely loved this poem! Such wise words and they flow so nicely. Your father gave you such great advice. But that makes you all the more wise for being able to express it in such an elegant way!

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Fallon, many thanks for your visit and sharing your thoughts. All good wishes.

Chris

[Ken e Bujold]

extremely wise words your father passed along to you Chris. the last verse should be chiseled above the entrance to every seat of parliament worldwide.

ken

[Chris Shaw]

Good afternoon Ken, thanks. My Dad was very protective of his three daughters, particularly where admirers were concerned :) Have yourself a great weekend.

Chris

[Ken e Bujold]

thanks Chris. now on holidays so definitely enjoy. hope your weekend is great as well