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.

Read or listen to my poems on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠, ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Pinterest, ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn ⁠⁠and at ⁠⁠simplystorypoetry.com⁠⁠

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.

Read or listen to my poems at Simply Story Poetry on ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Pinterest⁠⁠, ⁠⁠YouTube ⁠⁠and at ⁠⁠simplystorypoetry.com⁠⁠ and follow me on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠.

Shared life experiences within communities. This poem explores the shared human experience and the connections between individuals. The challenges, life lessons, and aspirations for truth, joy, and harmony within familiar settings of cities and communities where people navigate life's ups and downs together. Through laughter and tears, familiar ties that bind us through relationships among family, friends, and even strangers. The universal nature of love and care reinforces the idea that, despite our diversity, we share important similarities in our lives. Beverley Joy

Familiar Diversity

My voice, your voice

My challenge, your challenge

My life lessons, your life lessons

My courage, your courage.

We live in familiar countries and cities

We walk and shop along crowded streets

Meetup within our communities

We want truth, joy and harmony.

We laugh and cry, stumble and rise

We breathe the same air, we love and care

Sister and brother, father and mother

Friends and lovers, colleagues and strangers.

Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry © 2026 All rights reserved

Image by David Bruyland from Pixabay

Music by Olivia Bennett from Pixabay

Read or listen to my poems at ⁠Simply Story Poetry⁠ on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠YouTube⁠, ⁠Pinterest, ⁠⁠LinkedIn ⁠and at ⁠simplystorypoetry.com⁠.

Thank you for listening.

This poem uses the rose as a metaphor for life’s beauty and pain, illustrating resilience amid hardships. The rose endures nature's elements and flourishes despite its delicate vulnerability.

The Wilted Rose book ends with Grace leaving home at 18. Though The Wilted Rose concludes, Grace's pursuit of true love continues. Though her mother's life wilted in mental illness, Grace's adult life was beginning. Full of hopes and dreams of love and happiness, just as her mother had decades earlier, Grace was determined to forge a brighter, healthier future for herself than her mother had lived, and it started with moving far away from the strict religion of her youth and her mother.

The Rose Poem

Petals so delicate, soft and fragrant, drenched in rich coloured hues of orange and yellow.

Layered and wrapped, petals holding each other, unfold to reveal a tender heart at the centre.

Easily bruised, tossed about by the wind, the sun’s heat gives energy, and the rain gives nourishment.

The rose, admired by many and considered precious, its sweet gentle fragrance is received with pleasure.

Yet cursed by some who, in pure ignorance, handle it carelessly, then blame it for their wound.

The rose fulfils its purpose, not wanting to be another, content to be of its own kind of flower.

The rose does not wish it was a tree, tall and strong, living long.

It simply accepts nature's nourishment and surrenders to that which is greater than itself.

Its presence and fame never fail to display the splendour and wonder of this flower so frail.

When it’s drenched with rain, it doesn’t complain

When the sun’s heat scorches, it turns to face it.

I see how my life reflects that of a rose; I, too, am easily bruised.

And feel tossed about by the winds of hardship and pain.

I’m admired by some and precious to them; my sweet, gentle nature, they receive with pleasure.

I am cursed by some and blamed for their pain; both parties feel hurt, for they misunderstand.

When life scorches and drenches my heart, I am soon revived and able to thrive.

The Rose and I both require harsh elements to blossom into full bloom.

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

Read or listen to my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at simplystorypoetry.com.

May your life be filled with love and hope. Beverley Joy.