What's My Line

My husband and I watch a show
Which was aired quite a long time ago – 
In 1955;
(Were you even alive?)
Think of all that those folks didn’t know!

For a panel of four had to guess
Occupations, so they would address
Guests with questions for clues
About topics they’d choose
To be answered with “No” or with “Yes.”

Certain jobs were exotic back then,
Like “psychiatrist” (strictly for men)
Or a skunk-breeding guy
Or a worm raiser (why?)
Which led up to the big moment when…

It was time for the mystery guest,
Who would leave everybody impressed;
So the panel was masked
For, of course, they were tasked
With a name-that-celebrity quest.

In the days before Google and such,
Which today is a much-needed crutch,
Simple games could be played
And intelligence weighed
In a manner with which we’ve lost touch.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

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Canerdy Avatar
February 20, 2025 at 8:14 PM
Oh, this is excellent, Ilene~~great use of the limerick form. I think that show must've been on for a long time. I was born in '52, and I remember it! Janice
Greenhough Avatar
February 19, 2025 at 8:59 PM
I miss the fun, too. Thank you for this memory. We had one of the first t.v.s in our town. We became overwhelmed with visitors that came for evening viewing. After a few clues, they bought their own.
Mcconnell Avatar
February 19, 2025 at 6:45 AM
Great penning with great memories Ilene, I remember this show in the 60s on tv in Scotland, it was compulsive viewing every week. Have a great day, Gordon
Bauer Avatar
February 19, 2025 at 11:40 AM
I didn’t know the show was on outside of the US, Gordon, but glad you can relate!
Andresen Avatar
February 19, 2025 at 2:20 AM
- A lot has changed, Ilene ... "psychiatrist" (strictly for men) ... the equality law was passed in 1978 in Norway - Great written :) - hugs
Bauer Avatar
February 19, 2025 at 11:11 AM
Very true, Anne Lise! Nobody would watch this show today, but I get a kick out of watching the re-runs…
Wolf Avatar
February 18, 2025 at 8:48 PM
That's a NO, Bennett. One down, nine to go... Sorry Arleen, Two down, eight to go. Dorothy, go back to Kansas, Three down............... Tony - Some day you'll be part of an 'Odd Couple.' Panel, I see you are not ready for the wave of the future. Tell them your profession, young man. "I am a compter programmer!"
Bauer Avatar
February 19, 2025 at 11:10 AM
Ha! I can tell you were a fan, Gershon! I also love when John Daly asks each woman is she’s “Miss” or “Mrs.”
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