Behind Closed Doors. Poem by Fay Slimm

Great last two lines Fay, but not all men are always in the pub.10 from Tom

great imagery write behind closed doors..well described..nice piece...A10 Ency Bearis

the poem reminds me so much of t.s. eliot that i wonder whether u r his reflection or not...there r few who say so well about that which lies around us but we fail to notice for their commonness...you remind me of my forgotten days..

Wonderful write Fay intriiging thoughts behind closed doors 10 Chris

Lots of thought provoking ideas within this one Fay, a very interesting read thanks.10/10 regards Dave T

Thoroughly enjoyed this. Excellent imagery 10

I was just going to read one due to being prompted. Ended up enjoying about ten and found the language used, the craftswoman's use of words not only impressive but titillatingly touching. What a soul must hide behind this writer, what a heart and how refreshing the absence of superficiality. These are poems, they speak to me and that is, by no means, something one finds often, here or elsewhere. Thanbk you for being here and sharing your wonderful work. H

You are a master word painter.You have so meticulously taken care of the life behind closed doors that everything comes to life. Only a very keen observer of life can take care of shades and colors giving them fine finishing touches in the dimness of life, be it dinner table, family quibbles, celebrating feasts, getting ready for the party or sun bath or staggering husband entering late night to distressing shagrin of his wife CP

I have tried in vain to pen a poem of this theme, but have never managed to master it in the way you have. By use of word alone the reader was almost ghosted through the doors/walls of a typical family’s home and was able to observe the usual goings on within the home. There are some wonderfully observered/imagined lines here, the girl dreaming of freedom, only too no doubt end up the mirror image of her mother within a couple of years, and the father returning drunk choosing to spend time with strangers in a pub than with his family. Although I notice it was pointed out that not all men leave their family each night to beer it up- i think you was right to include this, you are taking a snapshot of a certain families lifestyle rather than everyone’s. My favourite line was when you so poetically described the flickering TV on the curtains, very nice! ! ! ! Best wishes Vincent

This is a brillianty written and expressed poem, Fay, and your marvellously vivid descriptions and imagery in it become as a photograph in the reader's mind. I immediately visualized scene from the Brit-com, 'My family, ' with the parents and children sitting at the table. Though it might not be quite appropriate, I also visualized a scene from another Brit-com, 'Keeping Up Appearances, ' with Onslow and Daisy sitting in their humble living room, Daisy trying to read while Onslow smacked the telly to get it working as he guzzled a can of beer. As you must have observed, I am a fan of the BBC channel, as well as our American PBS, which shows many Brit-coms as well. My favorite Brit-com is 'As Time Goes By with Judi Dench and Geoffery Palmer, but that one does not quite fit the style of your fine poem. Line by line, your poem is a great write, a candid glance at life in a working class town where all the neighbors know each other's business and human foibles. It comes as close to life in the 'East End' as any portrait possibly can. Carl.