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It's a Matter of Honor

Where are the days Where a man's word was his honor A reflection of his character... Where are the days when "You have my word for it" meant something? Where are the days when promises were meant to be kept? Where? Where have those days gone? "I never make a promise I can't keep!" "I'm as good as my word" Echoes of a forgotten time and place Where chivalry was alive and well and men dueled to save face to save honor where words were a matter of life and death I weep...I weep For a man's honor is dead when a word said is a word not honored Eileen

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Laura Breidenthal

Date: 12/13/2014 6:44:00 AM

"when a word said is a word not honored" I feel your pain Eileen, and this is a bold poem..an honorable poem daring us individually to stand with integrity, chivalry and meaning. Your words humble me. You have such a passionate heart. Always, Laura

Arthur Vaso

Date: 12/10/2014 9:46:00 PM

All my business has all been done on a handshake, maybe not always wise these days, but I figure, if I am wary on the handshake, then no contract will help, I am rather proud that I have succeeded this way, it CAN be done!! I loved the poem of course! hugs

Mama Bear

Date: 12/10/2014 2:59:00 PM

I agree that there are some men without honour. Luckily I raised two men to be honourable and I know Richard is such a person so I can see where he would not agree with your generalization. We must take each person at their own values and not allow the dishonourable ones in our lives. I also know this type of person and they need to be shown the door. Interesting write because it has created dialogue Hugs Edith

Eileen Manassian
Date: 12/10/2014 3:01:00 PM

:) Hello, Edith. I couldn't agree with you more. I only know one of your sons, and he is a delight to know. He is a great honorable friend who has been like a mentor to me. I realize that you had a great part in his upbringing, and I thank you in turn for that. :) Yes, dialogue is good. I'm leaving the poem up. Thanks for the visit. I'm trying to finish correcting some outlines for my class tomorrow. This is a nice break.

Paul Callus

Date: 12/10/2014 12:01:00 PM

To me this poem has nothing to do with men or women...it speaks about anybody. There was a time when deals were done by word of mouth, for a promise was a promise. Nowadays nothing seems binding...unless it's supported by a legal document! Yet again, I am not referring to everybody!! // paul

Eileen Manassian
Date: 12/10/2014 3:40:00 PM

Yes...Paul. Times HAVE changed. Honor seems to be outdated, if you ask me. Here in the Middle East...it is a BIG thing. This is a shame and honor society...and often, you have to do things to...SAVE FACE...as we say. It's a shame to not reciprocate a kindness. It's a shame if a daughter falls pregnant outside of wedlock...unfortunately, honor killings are common in some parts. Thanks for your visit. Hugs.

Richard Lamoureux

Date: 12/10/2014 10:26:00 AM

I appreciate that this piece has created a dialogue. I also know that you have a good and honorable heart my dear.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 12/10/2014 3:41:00 PM

I wish your high opinion of me were true at all times, Richard. I don't mean to deceive, but sometimes I guess I do make promises that are hard to keep....especially when it comes to health issues. I promise to be better...and I fail. :( Oh well... Something to work on. Thanks for the visit. Hugs

Rhonda Johnson-Saunders

Date: 12/10/2014 10:16:00 AM

Agreed, Eileen! There are still many honorable and honest people in the world but nothing is worse than a person who is deceitful, selfish and without character...Richard, I'm not speaking for Eileen, but I don't think she meant all men or women are without character or honor. hugs, Rhonda

Eileen Manassian
Date: 12/10/2014 10:22:00 AM

Thanks for your input on this piece, Rhonda. Of course...there are many honorable and honest people of both genders. I'm sure we have all inadvertently not kept a promise or two...but in matters of love....one needs to be careful! Thanks for the visit and for your kind words.

David Meade

Date: 12/10/2014 9:54:00 AM

I believe Richard to be an honorable man and I appreciate his defense of the male because I do believe their are many honorable men -- but, unfortunately, I do believe Eileen has a valid point! I believe that our gender (male) has abdicated virtue for instant gratification. I believe her poems call us - brothers, fathers, sons -to stand-up, take ownership of our actions -- live honorably and walk with integrity. I join Richard and others to encourage and build-up men to see the value of honor.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 12/10/2014 9:59:00 AM

DAVID! :) Thanks so much for this lovely encouraging post. There was a group some time ago for men who planned to stick to their promises...The Promise Keepers! It is true that there was a time when a man's word was binding...more than a written contract and a handshake was his signature. Words are important and they need to be cherished, honored, and defended. I'm so happy with your post....Your Little One! :)

Charmaine Chircop

Date: 12/10/2014 8:42:00 AM

Eileen..I do live up to my word and hate it when others don't.I go out of my way to honour my word.Even if things turn out differently I do hold on to my word. I think a lot before saying words..cause words have an important life in my world. When a man doesnt honour his word He is not a man in my opinion but an immature child who needs to grow up.Excellent wise post.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 12/10/2014 9:50:00 AM

I've broken some promises myself....so...this could apply to me. :( Yes, Richard...You are right...some want to honor their promises, but can't. I should have considered that aspect as well. Thank you for the reminder.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 12/10/2014 9:48:00 AM

Thank you, Charma....I appreciate your post and the sentiments you share, sweetie. I know this is not gender specific, but as I AM a woman....so, that I guess defines my point of view. Woman can also not be true to their words. I don't know...If this poem is too problematic...perhaps I should take it down....

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 12/10/2014 8:54:00 AM

I agree with this statement, sadly there are men and women that fit in this category. There are some as well who wish to honor their word and because of circumstances beyond their control the are not able to. Not being able to keep their word tears them apart. These men and women are in need of grace.

Charmaine Chircop
Date: 12/10/2014 8:44:00 AM

when i say man..am referring to both genders dear

Richard Lamoureux

Date: 12/10/2014 8:31:00 AM

I personally keep company with men of honor so I have to say as a man this one offends me. You know I love your writing and I have great affection for you but for me this one rubs me the wrong way. I would not be an honorable man if I did not speak up for my brothers. As your title states "It's a Matter of Honor.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 12/10/2014 9:51:00 AM

Jan...thank you for your post.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 12/10/2014 9:46:00 AM

Dear Richard...this is an issue of...If the shoe fits, wear it. I'm sorry if I lumped all men together. That was not right...But if you read my last stanza....I did put the subordinator WHEN there....When a word is not honored, I weep. Yes, I'm trying to get out of the fact that I wrote this piece in anger, but....I will let the poem stand. It is NOT true of all men, but surely it is true of some. I never meant to hurt you...You are not in this category...not to me, my dear.

Jan Allison
Date: 12/10/2014 8:42:00 AM

Maybe Eileen is referring to one particular person Richard and not tarring everyone with the same brush - there are many many wonderful men out there:-) hugs jan xxx

Jan Allison

Date: 12/10/2014 8:24:00 AM

So true and so well written my friend - why make promises that cannot be kept it only leads to heartache:-( Hugs jan xxx

Eileen Manassian
Date: 12/10/2014 10:02:00 AM

Thank you, sweet Jan. I appreciate your input. True...why make promises if you KNOW you can't keep them. Richard...stereotyping is wrong. I understand your point. There are many good men in the world...and in my book, you are definitely one of them. :) I hope you are no longer offended.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 12/10/2014 8:38:00 AM

I feel sad to know people feel this way, there are many good men in the world. When people think in specific ways about an entire other group of people it causes them to be viewed as stereotypes.

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 12/10/2014 4:35:00 AM

- "I never make a promise I can not keep!" "I'm as good as my word" - well written - I am 100% agree with you - Have a great day my friend Eileen - (welcome to our Christmas poem) - oxox // Anne-Lise :)

Eileen Manassian
Date: 12/10/2014 10:02:00 AM

Hello, Sunshine! :) Thank you for stopping by. I will be there to visit you shortly. Hugs.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 12/10/2014 8:39:00 AM

100%?