Parting Beads

Every few years the sash windows need removing to repaint and repair. I always think how lovely and Elizabethan ‘parting beads’ sound and wish to write about them. 

I gave my love two parting beads

To stick between her sashes,

She looked so sadly up at me,

And tears were on her lashes,

These aren’t the sort of beads I meant,

She cried and stamped, began to vent,

Her anger was no hurt lament,

I wanted pearls for earrings,

Not these two silly stick like things,

I wished for beauty, ornament,

And all you have to give are these,

And offer them on bended knees,

As if you truly thought you’d please,

Be off! And take your parting beads,

For you care naught for woman’s needs.

You carpenters are all the same,

I would not stoop to take the name,

Of one whose thoughts on join’ry ran,

I’m far above your sort of love,

You unimaginative man.