The Dusk of Chivalry

The age of chivalry has passed,
but chivalry lives on in men
whose honor and instinct
survive in the face of ridicule and revolution,

in spite of political propaganda
distributed by androgynous drones
as the infallible truth of a progressive world
with no place left for gentlemen.

A world where mutilated values are
paraded before our sons
and sung as mantras of the day
by fickle knights in tin-foil armor

flaunting capricious deeds and
shedding integrity in pursuit of
fifteen minutes of infamy
and a glamorous trophy wife.

Most have little hope
as they inherit a legacy
of squandered dignity
with no clue how to reclaim it.

But hope lives on in a few
uncommon men of quiet strength
lying dormant in anonymous lives
until a new revolution calls them out

to exemplify what men should be,
bringing back the valiant love of a woman,
with decency and chivalry,
for the good and honor of all.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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Breedt Avatar
October 19, 2017 at 9:20 AM
What a GRE@T piece. This is so apt and it touches my sinews. Touchè.
Cresswell Avatar
October 3, 2017 at 12:29 PM
You have written a poem that should be read as a bedtime story to every male child born for here on out. Heros for young men are mostly muderous, thugs. They need a hero who sets the standard. Bring back the dragons. (and make Sir George an environmentalist).
Smith Avatar
February 21, 2013 at 5:59 PM
God dictates chivalry to us. Great write.
Dietrich Avatar
December 28, 2011 at 6:11 PM
this has a most excellent message inside it, Thvia. Congrats on two of your poems making it thru to round two of the big soup contest!
Brown Avatar
March 9, 2011 at 3:58 AM
Congratulations on your poetry X3 making it through round one of PoetrySoup's contest. The best to you in the finals Thvia. Love Carol
Fisher Avatar
March 7, 2011 at 12:54 PM
Many congrats on your three first round successes Thvia - rgds Janette
Maverick Avatar
January 8, 2011 at 1:57 PM
i must say Thvia, you seem to have a handle on the way things aren't really liked and enjoyed.
Suzadail Jr. Avatar
January 5, 2011 at 6:43 PM
Congrats on the feature. I still hold doors, still open car doors, still say Ma'am (except to the Speaker or former speaker). My boyhood hero was Robin Hood, but I've been more of a pirate than a Gentleman. Great poem. Vince
A   Avatar
January 5, 2011 at 3:58 PM
Congratulations! Thvia, on your featured poem of the week. Enjoyed the little gift of will you wrote about here,..p.d.
Jordan Avatar
January 5, 2011 at 11:46 AM
Thvia - Congrats on having this well written, truthful poem featured - I loved the ending, mj
Funk Avatar
January 3, 2011 at 10:17 PM
Social commentary is my favourite topic of poetry. This was a very nice read. Keep speaking out and maybe someone will hear. I, for one, am listening.
Brown Avatar
January 3, 2011 at 5:46 AM
Congratulations on your poetry being featured this week Thvia. Love, Carol
Sapp Avatar
September 5, 2010 at 10:56 PM
Great stuff! You have a wonderful eye for nuance and truth.
Davis Avatar
September 2, 2010 at 8:50 PM
Well put!
Fraser Avatar
August 29, 2010 at 4:37 AM
I'm one of those guys who want all to be equal, but men to be gentlemen and polite to women. It's so easy to do, and not a lot to ask for. Just my opinion > nice poetry Thvia >> James
Shetley Avatar
August 28, 2010 at 11:46 PM
Chris, yes I agree about natural instincts, the debate will continue I suppose but it's nice to know someone who's on my side of the controversy!
Shetley Avatar
August 28, 2010 at 10:52 PM
Chris, yes, I think that both men and women are in a difficult transition period of redefining our roles and it may be a few more generations before we establish some kind of acceptable norm. I don't necessarily think men FEEL like being less chivalrous since I believe it is part of their nature to be protectors and providers. What I do think is they are unsure how to acceptably display chivalry in situations where the urge is instinctively triggered. I hope that answers your question!
Mccabe Avatar
August 28, 2010 at 7:05 PM
Beautiful poem, I love it a lot! --Elizabeth
Kendrick Avatar
August 28, 2010 at 4:13 PM
Great write..Enjoyed reading it very much..Sara
Sweetheart Avatar
August 28, 2010 at 4:13 PM
Welcome to Poetry Soup.. so enjoyed your most creative write tonight.. there are many contests offered on this site.. check them oout and enter.. good luck..with luv..
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