Robert L. Hinshaw Poet Quintain (English)

My Frightful Steel Bonnet

My frightful steel helmet is so battered, dinged and frayed
It was issued by the Air Force - not a haberdashery store
I don't suppose it would look very proper in an Easter Parade
But it sure did come in handy-dandy when fightin' in the war
For such things as bathin', washin' drawers and so much more

Camouflage nettin' adorned it in lieu of ostrich feathers and lace
Many fellers preferred civilian life sportin' a jazzy, felt fedora
On the march the dad-gum thing flopped about and fell in your face
Twigs, grass and weeds covered it to blend in with the flora
Four-letter words were heaped upon it - of which there was a plethora

Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
© All Rights Reserved

Placed No. 3 in Carol Brown's "My Favorite Hat Or Bonnet" Contest - Apr 2011

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Nette Onclaud April 9, 2011 at 10:41 PM salute to you, dear robert for the fine win in the contest! CHEERS with love and huggs..:) nette

John Freeman April 9, 2011 at 6:26 PM So cool to see you in the top 3 spot Robert. Congratulations on your worthy poem's honered third Place! Agape, Moses

Kash Poet April 9, 2011 at 10:40 AM Excellent write here Bob!Congrats on your win----kashinath

Dr.Ram Mehta April 9, 2011 at 10:05 AM Congratulations on the third place win in the contest, Bob

Gautami Phookan April 9, 2011 at 2:00 AM Congratulations Robert on your 3rd place win with this very fine piece on your special hat, My father is also a retd AF man, so old memories revived here...Best wishes, Gautami

Joyce Johnson April 8, 2011 at 11:30 PM There are times of course when pretty just isn't good enough. I liked your hat story. Congratulations on your win. Love, Joyce

Tahera Mannan April 8, 2011 at 10:10 PM Oooh Bob I could so picture this hat of yours. Many congrats for this win.

Linda-Marie Sweetheart April 8, 2011 at 3:50 PM Congrats Bob on your 3rd place win in the bonnet contest with this extraordinary entry and perfection of rhyme my friend.. enjoy your top spot where the air is as rare as your grand words.. happy weekend luv..

Debbie Guzzi April 8, 2011 at 2:24 PM Quite a manly man! grrrrrrr wonderful seeing things from such a male point of view! Congrad's light & Love

Elaine George April 8, 2011 at 2:21 PM I heard they were used for many other purposes than head-gear and this confirms it. You paint a vivid picture, Robert. Sensational writing! Many congrats on your BIG WIN, with this great Quintain. Laini

Carolyn Devonshire April 8, 2011 at 1:52 PM Oh yes, this is definitely a winner. Congratulations, Bob! Love, Carolyn

Carol Sunshine Brown April 8, 2011 at 1:11 PM Congratulations on your placement in my contest Bob. The poems were all so good was hard to judge. Love, Carol

Nick Bagnall March 14, 2011 at 5:19 AM I found your poem very interesting, well done with those rhymes, they can't have been easy to come up with! realy enjoyed.

Ralph Taylor March 12, 2011 at 1:03 PM Excellent entry, Bob. Great write. Good luck. Ralphie

Carolyn Devonshire March 12, 2011 at 9:29 AM Outstanding entry for Carol's contest, Bob. You wore your "steel bonnet" with pride. I'm sure the helmets helped save soldiers' lives. Your poem is witty in a way, but also demonstrates the hardships our soldiers endure. None but the military can even imagine using the helmet to bathe or wash clothes. I expect to see this at the top of the winners' list. Much love, Carolyn