The Greeting Kiss

Poetry

Salutations are so important!

One Sunday morning I was preparing to meet someone. We were celebrating their birthday and my sartorial choice included a Captain’s cap, dinner shirt with cufflinks, waistcoat, black bowtie, white and gold prince tunic and English-made shoes – neck polished. On Radio 3 somebody mentioned that they will be taking over from Petroc Trelawny for the breakfast show. I said a number of disparate things. But, when I expressed:

“The last thing he will say is, ‘Good morning.’”

I should add that I too say, context permitting, after communicating in the morning:

“Good morning.”

So, when I heard this from the BBC, I cried. No, sobbed uncontrollably. Tears falling to the ground. Despite this, I remained composed and carried on with my clothes brush. I never knew the extent, depth and humanity of my emotional intelligence.

British psyche, heritage and high society? Yes, that too. And Psalm 139 in the Bible says that we are: “Fearfully and wonderfully made”.

Any breach in any of this would result in tears.

The Greeting Kiss

ANALYSIS

Verse 1:

"The greeting kiss
The holy kiss
Never to miss
This welcome kiss..."

When one meets someone else, does one kiss? Or, does one not kiss? Alternatively, does one greet with a holy kiss? Do you welcome greetings? Do you welcome people?

Verse 2:

"Means so much
Breakfast, tea, lunch
Without a thought
And never taught..."

How much does greetings mean to you at any meal? At afternoon tea, for example, would you exchange kisses? Do you think about kissing or is it natural to kiss? No, no it is natural.

Verse 3:

"Just a touch
Then its over
Sets the tone
Light as feather..."

Touching promotes health and growth. Research finds that delinquent teenagers that are touched by their parents change and are no longer delinquent. Even if it is just a touch on the shoulder now and again, the benefits are long lasting.

Verse 4:

"It means welcome
It means bless
It means connected
It means love..."

Greetings mean home, people, comfort; goodwill will follow; impossible connections becoming possible; love is all around. If God is love, then love is everywhere.

Verse 5:

"'Good you’re here'
'I know you'
'In the beloved'
Feels so true..."

Telling someone how pleased you are to see them in person and that everything will be sweetness and light is good – and part of every day life. Telling someone that I completely understand them – their intellect and emotions for example – means that you know that person. Telling someone that they will be included into a group sometime in the future, if not at the moment. And, of course, there is a need for intimacy at the fundamental level of humanity. The greeting kiss.

Verse 10:

“Suitor to Suitress
Hand gently taken
Bows down head
To touch tenderly...”

Imagine in societies where manners is everything. And you have interests in someone of the opposite sex; gentleman to gentlewoman. One would remember that she is fair and that you would, when greeting her, offer your hand. And as of upright, masculine character you would know that she needs to feel secure and allowed to be feminine. So, as I say, please “Bow down head,” gentlemen, and do not kiss her hand, but only with the very tip of your nose touch lightly.

Verse 11:

“Major key Prelude
Priming the canvas
‘Whatever happens next
You are loved’..."

In music, major and minor keys instruct what one may hear. Colloquially, happy or sad, respectfully. A Prelude is at the beginning whether in music or anything else. A greeting if you suppose. Masterworks have been, and will probably always be, created on canvas. However, before applying the oils, make sure it is alright and all white. Kisses are pure. Priming the canvas – that is, a greeting kiss – makes a masterpiece.

Verse 14:

“The greeting kiss
The holy kiss
Never to miss
This welcome kiss...”

This last verse is a repeat of the first verse emphasising the importance of kissing. So, please kiss when greeting.