What a man is

sorenbarrett

I saw a man that came in rags, face deep with wrinkled crags, he spoke softly
told the story of his life, riches a model wife and an error so costly
His tale he told of a business made of gold where he bought and sold internationally
Office in a tower, owned a country bower, a man of power, he acted rationally

Then one day came his way a deal that with a promise he did seal
Nothing signed his word did bind a vow made of steel
Things went bad. if honored he would lose all he had, told to renege on what had occurred
He said no, a man must show that all that a man is, is his word

Get a free collection of Classic Poetry ↓

Receive the ebook in seconds 50 poems from 50 different authors


Comments +

Comments13

  • David Wakeling

    Yes indeed all he can be is bound up in his honesty and trust of his word. A powerful thoughtful poem

    • sorenbarrett

      Thank you David for the read and comment it was amazing to me that in this day and time there still was a man willing to loose all he had to keep his word. This reflects bad times I suppose

    • Doggerel Dave

      Well at least one man somewhere........ You definitely have a way with words, Soren.....

      • sorenbarrett

        Thanks Dave (I think?) A way with words could be taken to mean someone that bends them so I hear you calling me on that. Oh oh my paranoia is showing and I just wrote about that last week. Hey old friend appreciate the read and and comment

        • Doggerel Dave

          You'll survive😊

          Written with a very light touch.

        • arqios

          “…in his word,” that’s the way 🙏🏻🕊

          • sorenbarrett

            Didn't think about that association. I the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word was God. Thanks for the read and comment.

            • arqios

              Oh, I was aiming for in each individual man’s word and handshake, in the olden days.

            • Poetic Licence

              A refreshing reminder of how things used to be, your word was everything, enjoyed the read

              • sorenbarrett

                Thank you Tobani for the review and kind words of encouragement they mean a great deal

                • Poetic Licence

                  You are very welcome

                • Mutley Ravishes

                  I recall reading about David Thompson (Welsh explorer of Canada), who after having spent years in the wilderness with fellow explorers and Native peoples, returned to the city. He had made some money trading and lent the money to various city folks who asked for loans. In the wilderness, a man's word was sacred. Not so in the city. He was left destitute.

                  • sorenbarrett

                    Thank you Mutley for the read and understanding comment yes time changes and not always for the better.

                  • Tristan Robert Lange

                    INTEGRITY. That is what this poem is about. And too few people have it any more. Excellent job, my friend! 🌹👏

                    • sorenbarrett

                      Thank you my friend for the read and supportive response to an aging problem of change in values.

                      • Tristan Robert Lange

                        You are most welcome, my friend!

                      • Damaso

                        Beautiful, my friend! A beautiful utopia. Thanks for sharing. Cheers.

                        • sorenbarrett

                          Thank you so much Damaso for your read and most kind words of encouragement they are appreciated

                        • Teddy.15

                          A Gentleman's promise. This is gorgeous and with such a message of strength and acceptance, things don't always go the way we want, it's how we deal with the cards we are dealt that counts 🌹

                          • sorenbarrett

                            Thank you so much Teddy for your comment and and understanding of this poem it is most appreciated and always valued

                          • orchidee

                            Good write SB.

                            • sorenbarrett

                              Thanks Orchi I appreciate it

                            • Thomas W Case

                              Fantastic.

                              • sorenbarrett

                                Thanks Thomas I appreciate the read and kind word

                              • Goldfinch60

                                It can happen if people respect what they promised soren.

                                Andy

                                • sorenbarrett

                                  Thank you Andy for your review and most kind support

                                • Tom Dylan

                                  A fine, thought-provoking piece, Soren. Nicely done.

                                  • sorenbarrett

                                    Thanks so much Tom for the read and supportive words

                                  • NafisaSB

                                    a thought provoking poem - what an honorable man who would throw away his riches and keep his word. i salute him and his kind

                                    • sorenbarrett

                                      Thank you Nafisa for your read and kind words of support they are most valued. Yes to some there are things more valuable than gold.

                                      • NafisaSB

                                        it is sad that such people are extremely few and far between, so i think they are invaluable treasures too - keep up the thoughtful outpourings from your end



                                      To be able to comment and rate this poem, you must be registered. Register here or if you are already registered, login here.