The Ballad of Miss Dutton

THE BALLAD OF MISS DUTTON

Little Miss Dutton, 
Bright as a button
Sits with hands in her lap just so
Neat and petite, 
Friendly and sweet,
With little girls all in a row

Quiet and demure,
Polite and pure
She teaches girls how to behave
Not like the rough boys
Scuffing shoes, making noise,
Shooting guns, the things little boys crave

But little Miss Dutton
Bright as a button 
Has a secret, her own rough boy
Though with her he is gentle
He's a force regimental
Has a gun and it's not just a toy

They'll live life in clover
When this trouble's all over
But meanwhile they'll make the best
Who can say what's to be
Before the world is made free
'til then hope that their lives are blessed

Little Miss Dutton
Bright as a button
Today has an extra bright gleam
For one sacred day's leave
To themselves they can cleave
Live each hour in a blissful dream

They have sworn true love now
And he's made solemn vow
To return when he's finished his chore
He tries fears to dispel
Kisses fondest farewell
Then he's gone  - and it's June ' 44.

Little Miss Dutton
Bright as a button
Sits there now and a sad smile she yields
But for him it's all over
He touched the clover
Now at peace in a Normandy field

Quiet and demure,
Polite and pure
Girls follow in every way true
Not like the rough boys
Scuffing shoes, making noise,
Shooting guns - that's what little boys do.


This poem tells a touching story, contains a message, and has rhyme and rhythm
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Shaw Avatar
February 4, 2018 at 2:26 PM
I love this poem Geoffrey and I love Miss Dutton. A lot of feeling and wonderful description. As you say in your notes fiction, but I am sure for some it is a true story. Very deserving of a high placement in the contest. Congratulations and kind regards, Kevin
Brewer Avatar
February 4, 2018 at 2:48 PM
Thank you for your kind and detailed appreciation, Kevin
Daniel Avatar
February 2, 2018 at 7:48 AM
Amazing ballad, Geoffrey, with a nice message too, congratulations on your win:)
Lamoureux Avatar
February 1, 2018 at 9:12 AM
This is so good. Congrats on your high placement.
Brewer Avatar
February 4, 2018 at 2:42 PM
Thanks ,Richard
Williams Avatar
February 1, 2018 at 8:51 AM
Geoffrey, I appreciate your very meaningful piece. Well done. It reminds us all of the price of freedom... Congratulations on your strong showing! Thank you for sharing the podium with me. You have my very best wishes. :) Bartholomew
Brewer Avatar
February 4, 2018 at 2:42 PM
Thanks for your kind comments, Bartholemew, and congratulations on your success.
Lawless Avatar
January 30, 2018 at 10:52 PM
very nicely done Geoffrey. A very disarming poem with such a somber message.....and yet the wars rage on.
Brewer Avatar
January 31, 2018 at 4:38 AM
Thanks for the thoughtful, kind comments,John
Barden Avatar
January 29, 2018 at 8:04 PM
Wow, very powerful and skillfully penned, Geoffrey, and a deserving placement ... I love the structure and rhythm, the imagery is excellent, and the story poignant and substantive. Congrats, my friend, a beautiful feather in your cap, here! :-)
Brewer Avatar
January 31, 2018 at 4:37 AM
Thank you Gregory. Your comments are, as always much appreciated
Haight Avatar
January 29, 2018 at 7:49 PM
Well-written, Geoffrey. Congratulations on your placement in the contest. Sandra
Brewer Avatar
January 31, 2018 at 4:36 AM
Thank you,Sandra
Grasso Avatar
January 29, 2018 at 6:50 PM
Well done, Geoffrey! Congratulations on your win! ...Fran
Brewer Avatar
January 31, 2018 at 4:34 AM
Thank you Francis
Roper Avatar
January 29, 2018 at 4:30 PM
fabulous , Geoffrey, congratulations on your win..
Brewer Avatar
January 31, 2018 at 4:34 AM
Thanks,Eve
Gauthier Avatar
January 29, 2018 at 4:26 PM
Very well deserved win. Superbly crafted poem. Congrats, Geoffrey.
Brewer Avatar
January 31, 2018 at 4:33 AM
Thank you Line
Smith Avatar
January 29, 2018 at 2:35 PM
Beautiful work Geoffrey, so well done, congratulations...
Brewer Avatar
January 31, 2018 at 4:32 AM
Thanks,Charlie
A  Avatar
January 29, 2018 at 2:23 PM
Geoffrey, Congratulations on your win. With Lots Of Love *SKAT*
Brewer Avatar
January 29, 2018 at 4:59 PM
Thank you for the award an kind words, SKAT
Sands Avatar
June 10, 2017 at 10:06 AM
Well done Geoffrey! :)
Brewer Avatar
January 29, 2018 at 3:21 PM
Thanks Heidi
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace