The vulnerability and excitement of a first date for young adult love. This poem is part of a series, Wilted No More, that reflects my life story and is a sequel to the book The Wilted Rose. Both tell the story of significant events in Grace's life - falling in love, falling out of love, marriage, divorce, and motherhood.

Grace's teenage relationship with Alex only lasted one year. Melbourne, Victoria, was too cold for her, just as her puppy love for Alex had grown cold. In 1980, she returned to Brisbane, Queensland. Grace moved into a two bedroom flat with her best friend from high school. She started a full-time administration job at a bank in Brisbane CBD and bought a secondhand car.

She went to a disastrous Christmas party with Brian, 21, as her blind date, a friend of a work colleague. It was set to be a romantic boat party, floating up and down the Brisbane River. Brian ignored her all evening, dancing and drinking with a female work colleague, while Grace stood awkwardly among the partygoers, knowing only her friend who had set up the blind date, who kept apologising profusely.

Even though Brian shared the last dance with Grace before driving her home, she decided he obviously wasn't interested in her. Unimpressed by his rude behaviour, she didn't want to go out with him again.

But Brian called Grace on the house telephone the next day. He apologised for his selfish behaviour at the party and invited her out on a proper date to a fancy city restaurant on Queen Street, Brisbane. She nervously accepted, giving him a second chance to prove himself a gentleman.

The date was old-fashioned and picture-perfect, like something out of a romantic movie. They were dressed in formal attire. He picks her up in a fancy car and drives her to a five-star restaurant, where they eat seafood and drink champagne while chatting and looking out over the city's river lights from their intimate table for two.

This poem reflects their first romantic date together as young adults.

Beverley Joy.

The first date

The clock was ticking, I was waiting to hear your footsteps at my door

So romantic, so debonair, I basked in your adoring flair.

As you entered into my world, I nervously tripped on my words

Awkward glances, friendly banter.

I said too much, I went on and on revealing my heart, opening my soul

It left me feeling vulnerable, 'Will I regret it tomorrow?'

I came out of my shell feeling happy and whole

But is that the me that he wants to see?

Throughout the date, we reminisced over common interests and music

We shared our stories of adventures and dreams, past, present, and future.

'Am I over the top? Was I too much? Will he reconsider or prefer someone else?'

I’ve lived my life as a captive bird; now the cage is flung open, I’ll fly upward

It feels so strange, so alien, that I might fly back in and hide again.

No one ‘knows’ me, I don’t ‘know’ myself, but I like what I feel, it’s exciting stuff.

Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry 2012. All rights reserved.

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Thank you for listening. Beverley Joy.

Enduring virtues and character of a gentleman. This poem lovingly describes the enduring virtues and character of the gentleman, from love and dedication in marriage to commitment as a partner, father, son and friend.

The expression 'Gentleman' is not used very often anymore. The meaning of this word has shifted throughout history from an early English term for an adult male who owns property and has an income above that of manual labour.

The modern meaning of the word 'Gentleman' describes the character and behaviour of an adult male, including integrity, kindness, politeness, and respect for others.

I originally wrote this poem for my two wonderful brothers, who are true gentlemen.

In loving memory of my dad, who passed away in 2025 at 95. Beverley Joy

The Qualities of a Gentleman Poem

“What do you see in me?” he asked

“A gentleman is what I see.”

“A gentleman”, he laughed.

"Yes" I said confidently, “Please let me explain.”

I saw a young man who won the true love of a young woman

And as one, their love flourished.

Then, I saw a fiancé whose strong, rugged hands

Softly and tenderly embraced his sweetheart.

Now, I see a husband whose gentle embrace

Engulfs her in peace and protects her from harm.

I see a mature man with old-fashioned values

Weathered and wrinkled from the harsh Australian sun.

I see a father who devoted his youth

To raise his children and provide for his family.

I see a working man who goes the extra mile

Proud of his work ethic, striving for the best.

I see a handsome man who likes to dress smart

Who looks quite charming in suit and tie.

I see a grown man who sheds a tear silently

Then wipes it dry and soldiers on positively.

I see a family man who longs to embrace

Loved ones lost through death or distance.

I see a healthy man who has suffered through illness

But still wants to regain life in its fullness.

I see a brother whose warm smile enchants

Who loves and approves of who I am.

I see a mate whose kind laughter is heard

Infectiously causing laughter in return.

I see a son who gave comfort

To his ageing parents with loyalty and love.

I see a gentleman whose gentle, kind nature

Relaxes people and banishes their fear.

Outside appearance doesn’t matter to me

I see his soul and spirit

Unique and special

God’s gift to his family.

Beverley Joy © 2014 of Simply Story Poetry. All Rights Reserved.

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