Friday, June 22, 2012

The Peppermint Men

The Peppermint Men
A poem for Ladies night.

“I’m going to be a Mason”, said my man one day at tea
“It will only mean one evening out - once a month” said he.
One evening quickly led to two, followed by three and four
And pretty soon I asked his name when he walked in the door.

He bought a jar of peppermints and put some in a tin.
“I have to hand them round”, he said, “or they won’t let me in.”
So now when friends come calling and ask, “where is he then?”
I say, “You won’t see him tonight, he’s with the Peppermint Men.”

He dines out fairly often, superb meals, mostly roast.
I sit and watch the goggle-box and eat my beans on toast.
A clean white shirt is needed, his gloves as white as snow,
His suit well brushed, his case to hand, oh dear I wish he’d go.

He’s started talking to himself, I’ve heard him in his den.
I think he’s going crackers, I blame the Peppermint Men.
“I’m going in the chair”, he said, “a position of renown.”
That’s nice, I thought, with his poor legs he’s better sitting down.

“I’ll be the Master of my Lodge” he said, “you ought to be impressed.”
I said, “I am dear – take the rubbish out as soon as you are dressed.”
“You’ll have to make a speech”, said he, “when it’s your Ladies’ Night.”
I looked at him in horror, as fear replaced delight.

I scribbled through a pad or two
as I tried hard to think.
I threw away six ballpoint pens,
when they ran out of ink.

 But now the evening has arrived, I hope you agree
That it’s been enjoyable to meet with the Peppermint Men,
To share their Company
and have a four course meal  that includes a lovely roast,
 Instead of that usual fare of a mug of tea, along with beans on toast.


- Anonymous

5 comments:

  • Unknown says:
    September 2, 2015 at 7:34 AM

    The author of this poem was my lovely wife, Gladys Tracey, who created it and read it out for her own Ladies Night in 1986 and was very well received and appreciated at the time and for a long time after. In fact many asked for copies. The version above is not an exact copy with a few lines being altered. I would dearly like to publish the original version with Gladys name clearly defined as the author. Gladys died 3 years ago, she is sadly missed and I would love to think that her memory and prowess as a poet could live on.
    W-Bro Alex F Tracey, PPJGW, Blackwater Lodge 1977.

  • Unknown says:
    February 23, 2016 at 11:40 AM

    Brother Tracey, I apologize for misrepresenting this beautiful poem. I am about to remove this post and repost the poen with an explanation of it's authorship.

  • Unknown says:
    April 10, 2016 at 9:08 AM

    Dear Alex
    I have my own ladies night later this month, I would very much love to read your wife's wonderful poem. I note that the above is not the original, although still a great poem. Would it be possible for you to share the words as your wife intended. I would would be delighted to credit her.
    Many thanks
    Tammy Pawley (wife of W-Bro David Pawley, Hayling Island Lodge

  • Unknown says:
    October 6, 2017 at 1:58 AM

    Seven years ago, I was in the chair of my Lodge in Pudsey, West Yorkshire and my wife used a poem written by Pam Ayres, entitled "My Husband". It was received with great applause and delight. Tomorrow night, the 7th October 2017, it will again be our Ladies Night and I will be the Director of Ceremonies. The Worshipful Master's Lady has informed me that she is absolutely petrified at the thought of responding on behalf of the WM for the Ladies and has subsequently asked my wife if she would kindly do it. She has agreed. After hours of research and trying to find something unique and original, we came across this beautiful poem written by Gladys Tracey. It will be my wife's honour to read this out tomorrow night and she will also offer an explanation as to it's origin. I am sure that it will be received with the humour and pleasure that she intended. Therefore, her memory and the beautiful poem that she created for her special night will again be heard by the Brethren and Ladies of a Masonic Lodge. Thank you W Bro Alex F Tracey.
    W Bro Allan L Steel
    Director of Ceremonies
    Lodge of Benevolence No 5612
    Provence of Yorkshire, West Riding.

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