.

Let Me Hold the Door

I hold the door for you, and then you scoff.
“He only wants to push old gender roles,”
You think. Because you know you’re strong enough,
To get a door or dig some garden holes.

But let me tell you in sincerity
That I would hold the door for anyone.
Not just for you, but women especially.
Most absolutely I would for a nun.

It’s old traditions, showing our respect.
I simply am a man respecting you—
Not for accomplishments as you expect;
Not for the weaker gender of the two.

Beware of men, who say they won’t be sad,
To have one fewer courteous thing to do.
The door slams in your face; would you be glad
For one less courtesy that’s shown to you?

And I’ll be happy if you’re walking first
And hold the door for me—I won’t be snide.
For recognition every person thirsts
And giving it makes us feel gratified.

.

.

Frank Rable is a poet living in Pennsylvania.

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4 Responses

  1. Susan Jarvis Bryant

    Frank, thank you very much for holding the door open for me in the stanzas of this lovely poem, which lets me know that chivalry may be on life support, but it’s far from dead. You have made my afternoon!

    Reply
    • Frank Rable

      You are very welcome! I’ve been thinking about doing this poem as an expression of how things should be, when hurry and courtesy collide. It’s enough that many people ambulate while focusing on a small screen. We who know better must do what we can.

      Reply
  2. Roy Eugene Peterson

    Frank, I could not agree more with your thoughts and chivalry. How perfectly you phrased this poem. Regardless of what anyone says or thinks, it had been ingrained in us to be courteous! There will come a time when we all need doors opened for us in the literal sense.

    Reply
  3. Frank Rable

    Quite true! I recall that when I was recovering from a shattered ankle years ago, there were so many times that I was treated to a held door and even looks of concern. I never miss an opportunity to grab a door for somebody.
    Just today, as I was about to enter a diner, I saw a middle aged man wearing one of those cast boots coming out with several teenage boys. Of course, I smiled and had the door for all of them. They smiled back, and the man said to them, “See, this is what I’m talking about!”

    Reply

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