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 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

 

 

 

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.

 

 

Reviews

[R J Askew]

I enjoyed this insight into how things were. And how incredibly different they were. Also the poem made me think of where Belgium is and how it has been described as the cockpit of Europe with all kinds of conflicts seemingly coming to a head there. The poem felt a bit strained in parts and does not flow as well as some of your others or have the same passion. BUT I still enjoyed it.

[J. James Reider]

A trick I tend to utilize is to write it, then come back to it. You have a good thing going here... It did seem like it lacked passion and a bit choppy in some parts, but the historical significance should not be lost on the reader.

In any case, this generation was one of hard workers... The World War I generation, if you will. In an age of low technology and thin communications, this generation stands out as one of the most innovative in the history of mankind. I salute you for writing a poem dedicated to them and to your ancestors!

[Artur]

arranged marriages were common in many places
in my country too
some of those people manage to be happy after all

and French language was also very popular in noble's houses

nice written, thankyou for sharing

[Laura E. Aranda]

very interesting. I love the way you dedicated the poem at the top....Cheers,lea
Yos ask me to read this piece and I loved it!

[Dizzy-Izzy]

I had never heard of Linton Kwesi Johnson... so I looked him up. Did you know there are tons of videos on the Youtube of him? I just watched a really good one. Part LKJ performance and part him interviewing a man named Henry Rollins. Eye opening, I liked it.

How wonderful to know so much about your history. What life was like for your female ancestors. The women in my family tree at a comparable time in history were poor and lived in the mountains of West Virginia. No arranged marriages I don't think. More like whoever was available and willing.

Thank you for teaching me something new, and giving a peek at your family tree...

K

[Wicahpi]

very interesting history here. thank you for the read.

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

Wow what a creative and well flowing piece that proudly shows the old world traditions... beautifully done.

[Dani California]

This is great Denise! And I love the history you provide at the end. So interesting .. truly. I admire your Father's Aunt... good for her!

And what a horrifying thing I would think to have no choice over whom you marry. Wow. That just seems so emotionless to me, and miserable. Unless of course the chemistry happened to be there.

I noticed by the footnote that you have great story telling ability as well. :)

Nice work!!

[Larissa G.]

I read it; it's a sweet gesture to your ancestor. Sorry for not having quality and polite critique today, and keep writing.

[bluessadmood]

i know ,this is so nice written when its time decide our sons and daughters fate like in marriage ,difficult decisions have to be made,is he worth ,is he not ,and this is a great bond not to be taken lightly,i just loved this,we have the same traditions here,we go through this very delicately and not give a decision only after a lot of thinking,i think writing is good ,lots of thoughts