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

[Weeping willow]

Chris your words describe a beautiful moment between daughter and Father and his words of protection for you. Images flow through this poem of a tender moment ;-] A lovely read ;-]

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Weeping Willow for your lovely review. My Dad had three daughters and he was very protective of all of us, particularly when it came to admirers. He wanted the best for us. So pleased you like the poem.

Chris

[Lorry]

I was always told never to play with a woman's heart, because they b*****s be crazy! But that was in less enlightened times and they did also point out to always wash your brushes and put your ladders away, which has stood the test of time, so they weren't completely bonkers!
Hell hath no fury like a woman who just saw a guy take the last hobnob, and let's face it, can you blame them?
Some very sage advice Chris and a wonderful and wise write.
Yours sincerely,
a buddy fool! 😊

[Chris Shaw]

Ha, Lorry a big thank you for making me laugh this morning. As for the last hob nob. I think you have a point there. My Dad had three daughters. My sisters and I were talking recently about his fatherly advice back in those days. We were smiling at the memories. Have a great day and Thanjs for stopping by.

Chris

[NormaZ]

I love your lines “ surround it well with cotton wool/ to save it well from sharp frosts”, good advice!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Norma. Pleased you enjoyed the poem. Have a good Thursday.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I think some men like women to act dumb so that they can feel dominant.
But others love a woman who challenges them....I find that much more fun, myself.

j.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear J, that is the part that made my sisters and I smile recently. My Dad told us that no decent young man likes a smart arse. I think your advice is far more up to date in the current times. Dad was very protective of his three daughters and of course wanted the best for them. He was a great Dad. Many thanks for your review.

Chris

[Richard🖌]

Hi, Chris 🥀

How pleased I am your dad was such a street-wise, deeply caring man, and You all the better for being his lucky daughter. I know my father taught me so very much of value that's served me all my life, as I'm certain you have kept and used from your dad's sage advice, too.
Chris, this is a wonderfully structured poem, highlighted by a keen flowing rhythm, spot-on rhymes, vibrantly visual imagery, and creative metaphor in near perfect meter.
I'm not sure you'll care or want to do it, but with only three simple edits this can be made into a perfect 8/6/8/6 Ballad in homage to your dear father's teachings, without changing your meanings.
L5: "act dumb holding to your silence" (8-count). V5, L2: "these words don't come easy" (6-count). V5, L4: "who bend and break the rules" (6-count).

In any event, it's wonderful to share one of your excently structured pieces.
Very much enjoyed,Chris … thank you ever-so much! ⁓ Richard🖌

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Richard, I am delighted you have stopped by and thank you kindly for the suggestions to improve this write. I’m pleased you enjoyed the poem. My Dad had three daughters and was very protective of us, particularly when it came to our admirers. Most of the time he got it right, but not always. My sisters and I were talking about him recently and this poem resulted from our conversations. We were smiling a lot when we discussed it. He was a great Dad and all three of us hold him in high esteem. All the best to you.

Chris

[Richard🖌]

You're truly welcome, Chris 🍷

I'm always glad to try and lend a hand.
With three daughters, I'm more than sure Dad had his work cut out for him. : )

The very best to you, as-well! ⁓ Richard🖌

[Tom]

" 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 '.........

such worldy wise words spoken by way of cautionary advice from caring father to beloved daughter who is on the cusp of young adult life with all the niceties that entails but also the perils that lie ahead......Beautifully penned!

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Tom. My Dad had three daughters and he was very protective of all of us, particularly where admirers were concerned. He of course wanted the best for us and most times but not all, he got it right. I appreciate your visit and review. All the best.

Chris

[Ken Simm.]

Makes me ashamed of my sex. Wonderfully written.

[Chris Shaw]

My Dad was often overprotective where his daughters were concerned, especially when it came to their admirers. He did want the best for us. You know most men are wonderful, some let the side down. Thanks Ken for stopping by.

Chris

[Arundass TP]

but many men are bloody fools. Beautiful thought provoking poem. I love it.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you my friend. My Dad was very protective regarding his three daughters, especially where men were concerned. Pleased you enjoyed the poem: All the best.

Chris

[Fairy Khan]

Golden words Chris. Every teenage girl needs to read these.

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Fairy. My Dad was quite protective of his three daughters when it came to their admirers. Most of it he got right but not all:) Great to see you again. Many thanks.

Chris