The Men Who Made Bad Matches
'Tis the song of many husbands, and you all must understand
That you cannot call me coward now that women rule the land;
I have written much for women, where I thought that they were right,
But the men who made bad matches claim a song from me to-night.
Oh, the men who made bad matches are of every tribe and clime,
And, if Adam was the first man, then they date from Adam’s time.
They shall live and they shall suffer, until married life is past,
And the last sad son of Adam stands alone—at peace at last.
Oh, the men who made bad matches, and the Great Misunderstood,
Are through all the world a mighty and a silent brotherhood.
If a wife is discontented, every other woman knows—
But the men who made bad matches keep the cruel secret close.
You may say that you can tell them, by their clothing, if you will,
But a man may seem neglected, and his home be happy still.
You may tell by their assumption of conventional disguise—
But, the men who made bad matches, I can tell them by their eyes!
I have seen them by the camp-fire, where a child’s voice never comes,
I have seen them by the fireside, in their seeming happy homes—
Seen their wives’ false arms go round them, and the kisses that were lies—
Oh, the men who made bad matches! I can tell them by their eyes.
I have seen them bad in prison—seen them sullen, seen them sad;
I have seen them (in the mad-house)—I have seen them raving mad.
Watched them fight the battle bravely, for the children’s sake alone,
Like a father who has wronged them, and who lives but to atone.
But it’s cruel, oh! it’s cruel, for the husband and the wife,
Who have not one thought in common, and are yoked for weary life.
They must see it through and suffer, for the children they must rear—
Oh, the folk who made bad matches have a heavy cross to bear.
There is not a ray of comfort, in the future’s gloomy sky,
For the children of bad matches will make trouble by-and-bye.
And though second wives be angels, while the first wives were the worst,
No second wife yet wedded makes a man forget the first.
Ah! the men who made bad matches think more often than we know,
Of the girls they should have married, in the glorious long ago,
And there’s many a wife and mother thinks with bitter pain to-day,
Of her giddy, silly girlhood, and the man she sent away.
Life is sad for men and women, but the thoughts are bitter sad
Of the girls we should have married, and the boys we should have had.
But we’ll part now with a handshake, if we cannot with a kiss,
And bad matches may be mended in a better world than this.
poem by Henry Lawson
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Related quotes
Hamar-Made Matches
'Here your Hamar-made matches!'-
Of them these verses I sang;
A thought to which humor attaches,
But yet to my heart sparks sprang.
Sparks from the box-side flying
Sank deep in my memory,
Till in a light undying
Two eyes cast their spell on me,-
Light on the fire that's present,
When faith blazes forth in deed.
Know, that to every peasant
Those eyes sent a light in need.
Sent to souls without measure
The flame of love's message broad,
Gathering in one treasure
Fatherland, home, and God.
For it was Herman Anker
Took of his fathers' gold,
Loaned it as wisdom's banker,
Spread riches of thought untold,
Scattered it wide as living
Seed for the soil to enwrap;
Flowers spring from his giving
Over all Norway's lap.
Flowers spring forth, though stony
The ground where it fell, and cold.
Never did patrimony
Bear fruitage so many fold.
Heed this, Norwegian peasant,
Heed it, you townsman, too!
That fruit of love's seed may be present,
Our thanks must fall fresh as dew.
'Here your Hamar-made matches!'
My thanks kindle fast. And oh!
This song at your heart-strings catches,
That kindling your thanks may glow.
The matches hold them in hiding,-
Scratching one you will find
The light with a warmth abiding
Carries them to his mind.
'Here your Hamar-made matches!'
Only to strike one here,
Our thanks far-away dispatches,
With peace his fair home to cheer.
His matches in thousands of houses,
In great and in small as well!-
The light that thanksgiving arouses
Shall scatter the darkness fell.
His matches in thousands of houses!-
Some eve from his factory
He'll see how thanksgiving arouses
The land, and its love flames free.
He'll see in the eyes so tender,
Through gleams that his matches woke,
The thanks that his nation would render,
His glistening wreath of oak,-
He'll feel that Norway with double
The warmth of other lands glows;
The harvest must more be than trouble,
When faith in its future grows.
'Here your Hamar-made matches!'
No phosphorus-poison more!
The bearer of light up-catches
The work of the school before:-
From home all the poison taking,
Hastening the light's advance,
Longings to warm light waking,
That lay there and had no chance.
poem by Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson
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Bismarck
There are many matches going on but,
The final matches will be played in Africa!
That is about the forth coming 2010 World Cup.
The last matches will be played in Africa and,
We are waiting for the 2010 World Cup;
There and then i will meet my friend Bismarck.
poem by Edward Kofi Louis
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But I still serve pretty big and that's one of my biggest weapons, so if my shoulder holds up and I can count on it, I can win a few matches and then you never know how the other guys are going to react to the fatigue and the length of the matches.
quote by Guy Forget
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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You know, differentiating between training and matches. If they are all matches it becomes very natural to shoot them, although Dan thinks I should shoot more of them. I think I shoot plenty of them.
quote by Nancy Johnson
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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The only way to get back the confidence is to play and win matches. You can practise as much as you like, but you need confidence that comes from playing and winning matches.
quote by Greg Rusedski
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Imagination Expectation Seed Our Character Dreams
imagination expectation seed our character dreams
realization awaited seldom matches desired schemes
reality ill matches misconceptions time split seams
to want peer mainstream desires experience teaches
does not fit all personality individual developing tastes
time sows unique thoughts realizations in vision eyes
poem by Terence George Craddock
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Motel Matches
Somewhere in the distance I can hear who shot sam?
This is my conviction, that I am an innocent man
Though you say Im unkind
Im being as nice as I can
Boys everywhere, fumbling with the catches
I struck lucky with motel matches
Falling for you without a second look
Falling out of your open pocketbook
Giving you away like motel matches
I wake with the siren in an emergency
Though your mind is full of love
In your eyes there is a vacancy
And you know what Ill do
When the light outside changes from red to blue
Chorus
song performed by by Elvis Costello
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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At Lord's
It is little I repair to the matches of the Southron folk,
Though my own red roses there may blow;
It is little I repair to the matches of the Southron folk,
Though the red roses crest the caps, I know.
For the field is full of shades as I near the shadowy coast,
And a ghostly batsman plays to the bowling of a ghost,
And I look through my tears on a soundless-clapping host
As the run-stealers flicker to and fro,
To and fro: -
O my Hornby and my Barlow long ago!
poem by Francis Thompson
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Matches may be made in heaven, but they are sold down here.
Tears of joy...
Perfume of tenderness
Soft hugs of kindness
Lips filled with honesty
A heart of loyalty
A brain of integrity
A voice of romance
Her Words exhilarate
That's the flower I hold
One that's very rare
With beauty that matches
Angels in the sky
Her beauty within
Matches yellow roses
Found in paradise
As beauty within
Wets my cocoon of life
Gladness slaps my face
Knowing the flames of love
Burns in my flower's heart
Gives gratification
Which makes me cry
Many tears of joy
copyright ©
poem by Eyan Desir
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Smile At The World
You called her baby doll
She got a really big smile
You called her baby girl
She smiled a big smile
He's got a real big smile and a car that matches
He's got a lot of money and a real big smile
He's got girls and game, he never acts lame
He's smiles a lot which increases his style
You're never fully dressed
if you don't wear a smile
If you feel the need you can
take my shoes and walk awhile
You gave her a big hug
She got a real big smile
You played with her hair
She couldn't help but smile
You've got a real big smile and a hug that matches
Baby boy now don't go changin, why dontchya stay the same
Keep it up, boy, because she loves to see that smile
Don't go breakin all the rules, Cuz that's not why she came
You're never fully dressed
if you don't wear a smile
If you don't feel so happy
take my shoes and walk awhile
You called her beautiful
She got a real big smile
You held her tight
And for a while she smiled
She's got a real big smile and a heart that matches
If you need a hand, she'll know just what to do
She's sweet and her smile makes her pretty
It just gets everyone, with it she just can't lose
You're never fully dressed
if you don't wear a smile
Think about this girl
And Smile at the world
poem by Gabriella Franco
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The Making of a Man
When God made Adam long ago, He fashioned him supreme,
A billion thoughts that he might know his life was not a dream...
Thus no excuses could release that Man that God had made,
If by his sins he lost God's peace and through guilt was dismayed...
When God made Adam long ago, the angels gave God praise,
They did not treat Man as a foe, so new to Godly ways...
Yet Lucifer was mortified when Eve was introduced,
As God created from Man's side this female not refused...
When God made Adam long ago and Eve, his helpmate wife,
In whom new children were to grow when they made love and life,
Then Satan knew they would not die if children must exist...
And so he tricked them with a lie that they did not resist...
When God made Adam long ago, He knew him through and through,
He also let grace overflow, despite each sinful view...
Thus from God's Eden Man was sent and Adam's sons knew shame,
As through each day of sin they went, with each to bear the blame...
When God made Adam long ago, in time to see him fall,
He chose to send His Son below, a sacrifice for all...
God filled the Scriptures with this news, as prophets voiced His plans
Worldwide to Gentiles and to Jews dispersed across the lands...
When God made Adam long ago, He paused to count the cost!
For sin would wander to and fro and Hell would claim the lost!
Lord Jesus died, passed by Death's Door, with courage unsurpassed!
The making of a man, for sure... Our Saviour, first to last...
poem by Denis Martindale
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Buddha Steps # 8
the trees are alive!
even in the dead of winter,
if you're still,
you can feel their pulse,
waiting....
chainsaws and axes,
matches and hearth.
you are alive!
just below your numbness,
if you're still,
you can feel your pulse,
waiting...
chainsaws and axes,
matches and hearth.
God is alive!
just beyond your conceptions,
if you're still,
you can feel eternity's pulse,
waiting...
chainsaws and axes,
matches and hearth.
poem by Eric Cockrell
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Wind And Fire
everyone says dont play with fire when you light a maych.shouldnt they say dont play with matches? or when you light a lighter dont play with lighters? i think so because its so confusing i mean i know fire is from both but still its cofusing it makes me stand there and wonder this because they arent being specific of wether or not you should play with the items the fire is coming from.so shouldnt they say dont play with matches or lighters?
poem by Trevor Adams
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If Matches Are Made In Heaven
If matches are made in heaven
Then where on earth are we?
I've spent half my life writing poetry
I don't want to cry over what I've lost or gained
And now I'm in love with you for the life that remains
I smile back to me with the thought of you….
That lingers all through the day
For I've fallen in love with you
And don't know what to say
I hope this will be the last time my pen will ever flow
Pouring out words of love….for my only one you know.
poem by Meena Mustafa
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The Modern Eve
From rib of Adam, made was Eve
By God, as Adam lonely was;
Eve gave the apple to her mate,
And both together in haste, ate,
And banished were from Eden’s gate.
Eve brought on her a curse of God
To deliver offspring of man;
And cry for her children until
The end of world is called by God
And evil-doers, given rod.
With excess fat, less muscle pow’r,
Eve still was better Adam’s half;
And did the house-hold chores for him,
And nursed the children with great love-
A job, all men find difficult.
New problems came when Eve had tried
To share the role of Adam too;
And brought turmoil to home, work-place;
And children got neglected fast-
A blunder Eve does not relent!
Yet, Adam’s man; and Eve, woman!
Although equal in eyes of God,
And two resembled each other,
Were made with purpose different-
A truth forgot in modern world!
So, Eve was wife to Adam first;
And mothered mankind’s progeny;
And wore the garbs of sister too,
And loving daughter, grand-daughter-
Each role important in own ways.
None can imagine present world,
Without Eve’s contribution great-
Yet, plight of today’s woman stands
Terrible, horrible and sad-
Will Adams set this right at once?
The modern Eve in doldrums lies,
And cannot cope with world’s demands
Of increasing roles, but poor pay,
And sacrifice of time, priceless-
Awake to reality, Eve.
Dedicated to all women
On International Woman’s Day,2008
Copyright by Dr John Celes 3-8-2008
poem by John Celes
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Shes Perfect
(toby keith/wayne perry)
I took lisa down to the cafe
The one where we first fell in love
I played the same song that we used to dance to
Hopin it might be enough
But when I told her I was sorry
That only made it worse
Then the waitress came over and saw lisa cryin
Said, honey, whats the matter with her
Theres nothin wrong with her, shes perfect
Shes as pure as she can be
Shed never say it, but the only mistake she ever made was me
It might appear to you shes broken
By the teardrops in her eyes
But theres nothin wrong with her, shes perfect
Im the one who made her cry
Could you please bring us two cups of coffee
We might be here for a while
Make mine black and hers sweet as sugar
Something that matches her smile
Shes already loved me for half of her life
Shes never been untrue
So let me tell you before you ask her
If theres anything you can do
Theres nothin wrong with her, shes perfect
Shes as pure as she can be
Shed never say it, but the only mistake she ever made was me
It might appear to you shes broken
By the teardrops in her eyes
But theres nothin wrong with her, shes perfect
Im the one who made her cry
Theres nothin wrong with her, shes perfect
Im the one who made her cry
song performed by by Toby Keith
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Women In Islam
How do women fit into islam? What is their fate?
This has been the subject of many a debate
‘for the believing men and women, is a great reward’
this is from surah al azaab, the words of our Lord
it can be seen from reading the holy Quran
that a woman has some privilege over a man
praying is exempted during menstruation
here islam gives women consideration
a woman after marriage becomes a wife
for nine long months she carries new life
during childbirth she is exempted to fast
islam is against the burying of girls in the past
they can pray at the mosque or even at home
they may marry or divorce, its their choice, their own
after marriage she can retain her old maiden name
and is rewarded for treating all her offspring the same
once they are married they should live pious lives
‘and the best men are those who are best to their wives’
islam shows equality my sisters and brothers
don’t forget paradise lies at the feet of your mothers
women in the UK had property rights from 1938
this right was given by islam,14 centuries to date
in the UK, women could vote from 1918
this was stated 1400 years ago in islam our deen
women can work and lead a happily married life
but shouldn’t neglect her role as mother and wife
a woman for her child’s upbringing, deserves her credit
islam also gives a woman the right to inherit
a woman’s status in islam, we should never neglect
in islam they are favoured and deserve their respect
poem by Readnow 1978
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Your shadow is your beloved wife........
When you married your wife
you have promised her to take care till you end
Marriage is a fulfillment of dreams
With these promised dreams she stepped in your
house as a beautiful wife
She held your hands with her dreams
She gave her heart to you with love and faith
She walked along with you when you had hard time
She gave you everything what ever she had
Today you made her dreams shuttered
Today you made her heart suffer with pain of love
Today you made her walk along with pain and struggle
Today you made her eyes dim with salty tears
Today Your unfaithfulness made her life miserable
Today you live with out her love and shadow
Today your heart is refusing to accept her as a wife
But one day you will realize her value and her faithful love
when you struggle with your pain and the agony that make you handicap.
On that day you will realize your wife is your shadow that holds on you
poem by Ravi Sathasivam
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Married Men
(bugatti - musker)
Producers for bonnie: ronnie scott, steve wolfe
Bonnie recorded this song in 1979 for the film the world is full of married men. the lyrics are taken from the japanese single.
The world is full of married men
With wives who never understand
Theyre looking for someone to share
The excitement of a love affair
Just as soon as they find you
They wine you and dine you
You fly on the wings of romance
But in the eyes of the world
Youre just another crazy girl
Who loves a married man
Oh your love is a secret
And youve got to keep it
As long as you can
No dont cry for your lover
Theres always another married man
The world is full of married men
Oh yeah you make him feel so young
But his wife will still be number one
He promises to marry you
Just as soon as his divorce
Comes through
And its not just a fling
He swears its the real thing
A love that could last till the end
As hes driving away
You know its true what they say
About married men
They do it, they do it, they do it
They do it again and again
They do it, they do it, they do it
They do it, married men
Oh hell run when the scandal
Gets too hot to handle
Hell say I just want to be friends
They hell walk out of your life
Hell go home to his wife
cause hes a married man
Oh your love is a secret
And youve got to keep it
As long as you can
No dont cry for your lover
Theres always another married man
The world is full of married men
They do it, they do it, they do it
They do it again and again
They do it, they do it, they do it
They do it, married men
Hell walk out of your life
And go home to his wife
A married man
Dont cry for your lover
Theres always another married man
They do it, they do it, they do it
They do it again and again
They do it, they do it, they do it
They do it, married men....repeat and fade
song performed by by Bonnie Tyler
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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