Petit Bourgeois

Petit Bourgeois

(Inspired by Linton Kwesi Johnson)

(Dedicated to my great grandmother whose marriage was arranged, according to the custom in the late 19^th century.)

 

 

Just over a hundred years ago

My great grandfather spoke French

To a gorgeous intellectual wench

For he decided her I will woe

 

Asking her hand in marriage

The soon to be grandfather

Speaking French too to take things farther

After all his daughter would be walking the baby carriage

 

Or rather an antique pram

The father of an heir soon to come

Into the world should have to say some

For himself now eating spam

 

Does this son come out of a worthy house?

Having to save bread out of his mouth

Coming up North, what went wrong down South?

Is this young man a worthy spouse?

 

For my daughter is my treasure

Not to be given away cheap

This decision is one to keep

Not one out of fluffy pleasure

 

What to think of this military man?

His manners, family, money and rank

There is a lot for him to thank

Yes, I think he can

 

Become the father of my heir

His intentions are sincere

Otherwise he would not have bothered coming here

Giving him my daughter only seems fair

 

She cries out for passion

The shameless ingratitude

Where the hell did she get this attitude?

Oh, if only I was able to understand this new fashion

…

 

 

 

 

 

Note:

I admit to belonging to a family with a petit bourgeois family tree.

During the late 19^th century, it was customary to speak French in those circles and so were arranged marriages.

Education was very important, also for the women in my family, only their education was never used professionally unless the women remained unmarried. E.g. my father’s most interesting aunt was an eternal spinster who preferred a career to being married, which was pretty daring for a lady born in 1901…

Linton Kwesi Johnson (the Reggae/ dub poet) comments on this class in his dub poem ‘Petit Bourgeois’.

I admit to liking Linton Kwesi Johnson’s lyrics. At the same time I feel that a lot of oppression was going on in a lot of social classes. Both my great grandmothers at the paternal side had no say in whom they were married off to.

 

 

 

Author's Note

This is the first part of a poetic family saga. After reading the reviews I got so far, I decided to write a book of poems, which all are related ...
This is the first part...

Reviews

[Kimberly]

I like the idea of writing a series of poems that, when collected, tell one long saga, and you are a great poet, I think you can pull it off. I don't think you need the notes at the end, though I understand that you wanted to add them to make sure that people understood what was going on, perhaps add them at the very end in an appendix. This is fantastic.

[Silent Kim aka mizmetap..]

Well it is definitly a good start. You have a nice even flow and the story interesting.

Sorry it took me so long to read.

[*** Hey Jude***]

I agree that you should write a book! Not only the continuation of this wonderful and touching story about your family, but the beautiful poems you write. You are a great talent and I admire your persistance as you learn to write and speak? english! ~ Jude xo :-)

the introduction has shown direct epic-like saga that would be very interesting to read. This is a worthy book of great historic significance.

The start looks interesting.

[A LaDy NaMeD D]

Arranged marriage...hmm. I think its both interesting and unique that u decided to do this. And i can't wait to read more.

D

[poddar kushal]

Wow! It blends history, biography and poetry in a swift, crafty way. The rythm is another thing to be proud of.