Etiquette

 

Casual dress has given way to casual behaviour

etiquette and fashion are glimpses of the past

Manners maketh man was the command

to which all were bound to obey

It came naturally, almost second nature

as gentlemen doffed their hats

Gloves removed before shaking hands

gentlemen walking close to the kerb when escorting a lady

Gentlemen standing when a lady entered a room

seats offered to ladies and the elderly on public transport

May I, preceeded almost every request

espressions - I beg your pardon or after you

Gentlemen opening doors for ladies who went in or out first

Please and thank you automatically recited

all adults addressed as Mr or Mrs

Teachers as Sir or Maám

All has been abandoned in favour of nothing. 

a vacuum now exists

Manners are unnoticed or seen as quaint

Slovenly behaviour bereft of respect is in vogue

mutual respect or even self respect a thing of the past

now irrelevant

Occasionally I see an instance of etiquette

which gladdens my heart, mostly from the elderly

Nostalgia plays a long symphony

which has now degenerated into

the sound of a thumping drum