After You

The elevator door slides back;
The male then steps aside
And gestures, “After you, madame,”
The chivalry implied.

Equality is nice but still,
This throwback’s very sweet,
Acknowledging a courtesy
In manner quite discreet.

Surprisingly, I’ve noticed, though,
This custom’s losing steam
For younger men don’t hold the ladies
In the same esteem.

Of course, it’s not across the boards;
Some youth are still polite.
For every gentleman, there is
A mom who taught him right.