Robert L. Hinshaw Poet Rhyme

First Date

I was around fourteen when the charms of girls began to beckon,
And I was about fifteen when I had my first date, I would reckon.
'Way back then there were certain rituals that must be observed,
Some of which left me quite baffled and somewhat unnerved!

The evening must be perfect so I wore a suit and tie.
Shoes were shined and greasy Vitalis to my hair I'd apply!
Peach fuzz was plucked and I fairly reeked of Old Spice.
The car was washed and waxed to further her entice!

This too was her first date and things must be just right.
She'd had a snit with her Ma thinking her hair was a fright!
But she looked divine in her hat, gloves and flowered frock!
Her Pa's parting shot, "You git her home by ten o'clock!"

When I called for her I daren't sit and toot the horn.
That would've heaped upon my brow her folks' eternal scorn!
So, I meekly sidled up and timidly tapped upon the door.
Met by her scowling Pa who said, "Who's this skinny boor?"

My grandkids tell me there's no such formalities nowadays,
And wearing jeans and mutilating body rings is all the craze.
I'm told a great date is to hang out with friends at the local mall.
I guess I was born too soon!  I just don't understand that at all!

Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
(c) All Rights Reserved

Entry for Frank H "First Date" Contest

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Robert Nehls June 18, 2014 at 3:25 PM Looks like everyone is calling you Bob so I will too. Anyway, Bob, I like this one a lot. It tells a great story of days gone by and a respect for ones self and others. I enjoyed the way you crafted this one and it was a pleasure to read..... Robert

Farhana Akter May 21, 2014 at 4:47 PM Good

Poet Destroyer A March 30, 2014 at 4:23 PM Hi Bob H., I see this is a winning poem... I enjoyed the story and the moment.. , Congratulations, on your win... Nice First Date entry..... xox~ LINDA

Barbara Gorelick March 24, 2014 at 8:14 AM Me neither..I don't understand. haha. congrats Mr Bob. So glad to see your name on the list. BG

Dr.Ram Mehta March 23, 2014 at 9:58 PM Congratulations on a fine win with this awesome poem, Bob

Cecilia Macfarlane March 23, 2014 at 5:06 PM I think all fathers were intimidating, mine certainly was. Times sure have changed. Congrats on your terrific write and win! Hugs

Andrea Dietrich March 16, 2014 at 6:09 PM yeah, life must have been so different back then. Actually from my teen years, I don't think things have changed all that much. the hippies kind of changed things forever!! good one for the dating contest.

Carol Eastman March 14, 2014 at 9:58 AM On my first date... My father showed my hubby to be... his gun collection... Papa's never change... Now, kids jump into the sack on the first dates, often... But away from their parents of course! Dumb kids, now a days, don't know how to act properly... But I'm from then... and they're from now...

Jan Allison March 13, 2014 at 11:05 AM Hope this does well Robert it's a very amusing Rhyme. Jan xx

Skat A March 5, 2014 at 7:51 PM Nice to read you tonight, Bob, after reading about your first date, I took sat back and remembered my first date. Thanks for sharing the date, with pa attached. Wishing you the best in the contest... SKAT

Tim Smith March 3, 2014 at 6:04 PM This excellent..I remember the Vitalis and Old Spice in my bathroom growing up. My dad swore by the stuff.....Tim

Anne-Lise Andresen March 3, 2014 at 11:19 AM - So enjoyable to read, Bob .... just imagine fifteen years .... a girl as beautiful and a boy so proud ... and the smell of "Old Spice" .... no, it's not like that today ..... :))) - Thank you for sharing your precious memory. - oxox // Anne-Lise :)