Carolyn Devonshire Poet Rhyme

Notes About The Poem

A

Token

Gesture

A Token Gesture

It was a token gesture
A hand he offered me
Emerging from my cab
Stormy night in the city

I didn’t know his name
But I’ll not forget his face
For he helped me gently
To a safer place

Blue eyes and thick black hair
He stepped in the rain-filled gutter
To close the taxi door
But not a word did he utter

Just a simple kindness
Like those of olden days
When gentlemen ensured
Ladies’ safety always

Now I’m a modern gal
And oh-so independent
But I stared in awe
At my hero so resplendent

As he turned to walk away
My impulse was to give a hug
But I just touched his jacket
And gave his sleeve a tug

“Thank you,” I whispered
Captivated by his smile
And how I wished within my heart
That he would stay awhile

He simply waved, then walked on
Disappearing into the rain
Since that night I’ve prayed
I’d meet this man again

But this kind token gesture
Recalled courtesies now rare
And I am pleased to say
Such tokens gents still share



*March 22, 2021

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M Asim Nehal October 18, 2022 at 1:29 AM Heartfelt poem so nicely written.

James Marshall Goff July 3, 2021 at 6:11 AM Father's pass this on to sons, I was lucky, good one, Carolyn

JC Brul May 3, 2021 at 6:36 PM What a superb story in a poem! Yes, only few nowadays could give such gestures of a gentleman...This poem takes me back to good old days.. Congratulations on your first place win!

JC Brul May 3, 2021 at 6:35 PM What a superb story in a poem! Yes, only few nowadays could give such gestures of a gentleman...This poem takes me back to good old days.. Congratulations on your first place win!

Malabika Ray Choudhury March 30, 2021 at 4:16 PM Really kind gesture, Carolyn. Enjoyed reading the story. BW ~ Mala

Andrea Dietrich March 28, 2021 at 1:28 PM this is REALLY nice, Carolyn. I mean, that was a difficult challenge and you met it very well. Such men today are almost as rare as needles in a haystack! They don't even stand to give women a seat on the bus. Carolyn Devonshire March 28, 2021 at 3:25 PM I don't really expect niceties like this anymore, Andrea. That's why this gent's kindness stood out. Thanks for reading, Carolyn

M. L. Kiser March 27, 2021 at 12:07 PM And it seems very rare that you meet one of these anymore; well penned, beautiful read.

Peter Rees March 26, 2021 at 2:31 PM Could this perhaps have been a dream? Women are changing the world, I do believe for the better, but relationships are also being changed as a consequence. Carolyn Devonshire May 4, 2021 at 10:32 AM It actually happened, Peter, the last time I was in New York. Women have fought hard to be seen as equals, but something special was lost along the way...

Gordon Mcconnell March 26, 2021 at 2:02 PM A really beautiful pen Carolyn, when you come across people like you did it's like an angel in disguise. Lovely rhyme and flow with insightful thought too. Blessings and hugs, Gordon Carolyn Devonshire March 26, 2021 at 2:12 PM Every now and then we come across an "angel" like this one, Gordon. I wish there were more of them. Thanks for reading!

Victor Buhagiar March 26, 2021 at 12:24 PM Love at first sight? I'm impartial. Can happen but don't really believe in it. Still courtesy is so important these days. Carolyn Devonshire March 26, 2021 at 12:36 PM Just an attraction, Victor. Love takes time. I've found people in my neighborhood are very courteous and it's always appreciated.

Lindsay Laurie March 25, 2021 at 8:35 PM Hello Carolyn ... very good reminding topic and well written Carolyn - thank you - Lindsay Carolyn Devonshire March 26, 2021 at 1:43 PM Thanks for reading, Lindsay.

Sara Kendrick March 25, 2021 at 4:12 PM It is nice to have a gentlemen treat a lady like a lady. Good rhythm, rhyme and flow in this one. Reads like a good contender in the contest to me. Thanks for the visit to my page. Sara Carolyn Devonshire March 26, 2021 at 9:59 AM Thanks for your kind comments, Sara. It's a memory from a brief encounter in New York City.

Alexis Y. March 25, 2021 at 3:31 PM WoW! Carolyn, You've penned such a lovely write about a brief encounter. You painted such a memorable scene with the words you chose. I could just picture it. It was like I was watching a good movie that I didn't want to end. I found it to be romantic as well.Best wishes in the contest. I enjoyed the read. Have a great day:-) Alexis Carolyn Devonshire March 26, 2021 at 10:00 AM You're so sweet, Alexis. Just wish I had seen him again.

Ilene Bauer March 25, 2021 at 1:25 PM carolyn - this is wonderful!!! i agree with you and love the way you've described this experience. best of luck in the contest - sounds like a winner to me... Carolyn Devonshire March 26, 2021 at 10:01 AM Thanks for reading, Ilene.

Richard Lamoureux March 25, 2021 at 1:13 PM I like the sexual tension that vibrates throughout this poem. Your picture added to the intrigue. Carolyn Devonshire March 26, 2021 at 1:41 PM Couldn't find the photo I was seeking, but am glad this one works, Richard. Thanks for reading!

Rico Leffanta March 25, 2021 at 11:51 AM Enjoyed as well-written, but the illustration makes one wonder if he was afraid of being stabbed by those stiletto heels, or that you would topple over in the rain? Reminds me of johnny Mathis', "A Certain Smile" ......Aloha! Rico Rico Leffanta March 26, 2021 at 11:20 AM I know you'll love it! Aloha! Rico Carolyn Devonshire March 25, 2021 at 1:09 PM I'll have to listen to that song. Love Johnny Mathis!

Vijay Pandit March 25, 2021 at 6:17 AM That moment etched in your memory, so beautifully adorns this poem my friend. A simple, yet elegant tribute to kindness, this poem is. Enjoyed the gentle tone and flow Carolyn. Into my FAVES. Carolyn Devonshire March 25, 2021 at 1:08 PM Thank you, Vijay! Hope you post some new poems soon.

Joanna Daniel March 25, 2021 at 4:57 AM Sounds good that such gentlemen still exist, beautiful poem, Carolyn:) Carolyn Devonshire March 26, 2021 at 1:43 PM There are still some men like this out there. Always a pleasure to come across them. Thanks for reading!

Unseeking Seeker March 24, 2021 at 9:49 PM Superb! Enjoyed the read. These days, more wolves than gentlemen! Good luck for the contest! Carolyn Devonshire March 26, 2021 at 10:28 AM In Florida, we have a large elderly population and they do seem to be more courteous. Thanks for reading!

Judy Ball March 24, 2021 at 8:53 PM Oh nicely done Careolyn. Around here I am always so impressed when a gentleman opens a door or helps me in some way. These days men are often tentative about such niceties because some women get insulted and want to do it themselves to show their independence. I always say thank you and show my appreciation. I may be an old woman but I'm still a woman and like to be treated that way. Good job. Loved it. God Bless, JB Carolyn Devonshire March 25, 2021 at 1:11 PM I guess we get what we wanted when men do not perform these niceties. I've never been insulted that way. Thanks for reading, Judy.

L Milton Hankins March 24, 2021 at 8:29 PM Carolyn, this is a beautiful piece of writing. I loved the form you took, and it really flowed all the way to the end. Now, you have me wondering why this perfect stranger stopped to help. Rare these days, yes. Best of luck in the contest. Carolyn Devonshire March 25, 2021 at 1:10 PM Thank you for your kind comments, Milton. Sometimes men still hold doors open and perform other acts of kindness.

Kim Merryman March 24, 2021 at 6:50 PM Carolyn, I enjoyed reading your poem! Best wishes for the contest! Blessings, Kim M Carolyn Devonshire March 26, 2021 at 10:35 AM Thank you, Kim. I'll check your page.

Line Gauthier March 24, 2021 at 5:58 PM Wow, Carolyn. So beautifully penned. I have to FAVE this gem ~ Carolyn Devonshire March 25, 2021 at 1:08 PM Big thanks, Line. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Something similar happened to me when I visited New York.