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Closed Doorman

Those gleaming brass buttons
   match the shine on his shoes
the theatrical articulation of his
   "Morning, ma'am. What's new?"

He opens the double doors wide
   bows with an arm-sweeping glide 
while the tight smile etched on his face
   begs you take him (in confidence) aside...

What secrets lie buried deep in his heart
   secrets that from his lips never will part

black african americancareermysteryimagism

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Arturo Michael

July 12, 2019 at 1:41 AM

For someone who have seen thousands of faces...I can't imagine what he would say...

Gershon Wolf

July 12, 2019 at 10:40 AM

I think that the doorman might tell us about how people smile at him and exchange pleasantries with by day, but hate and revile him once he's out of uniform. Something on that order perhaps... :) gw

Jennifer Proxenos

July 11, 2019 at 3:11 PM

I do recall the perky uniforms worn by cinema attendants selling popcorn, cool drinks and then cigarettes also, boys used to like this. Some hotels today still try to imitate this type of doorman, and even in Africa, some imitate the colonial days with the Khaki uniforms the doormen used to wear - there is certainly fascination in bringing back the past! Enjoyed your poem Gershon, you brought back memories! Hugs and blessings, Jennifer.

Gershon Wolf

July 11, 2019 at 4:13 PM

I have many pleasant memories of doormen myself in tony buildings along Chicago's Lake Shore Drive. Thanks for the comment, Jennifer. :) gw

Panagiota Romios

July 11, 2019 at 10:21 AM

I grew up being served by doormen, at fine restaurants, nightclubs and theaters, Hotels in Great Chicago. I loved them, they had class. We don't live in days of class anymore.. And I miss it, Loved the poen. Panagiota

Gershon Wolf

July 11, 2019 at 10:24 AM

Remember those bright red jackets the doorman used to wear? Ah, those were the days. Thanks for the memorable comment, Panagiota. :) gw