Get Your Premium Membership

I Wandered Lonely As a Swan Premiere Contest Winner

"I wandered lonely as a cloud." --William Wordsworth
I wandered lonely as a swan Swimming on the glassy water Believing all was lost and gone On this lake a solemn squatter, Fearful of the dreaded winter As autumn waned soft and tender. Adrift upon waters tranquil Outer beauty concealed inside The inner truth hidden low and still My life I determined float and glide, While preening for the love I lost So aware of life’s bitter cost. May no one see my struggling feet Paddling against the current strong Where hope and peace often I meet Sunshine and shadow all day long, Shall I appear to be in need Or independence ever cede? Life, for sure, gives me firm resolve To face it with gentility No problem comes I cannot solve While facing life’s finality, And spending my life ever calm On these placid waters my balm.
FIRST PLACE TROPHY WINNER Written September 19, 2022 Submitted to: "I Wondered Lonely As a..." Challenge Poetry Contest Sponsored by: Natasha L. Scragg Slight editing October 13, 2022 Submitted to: "2022 Marathon Lap 17" Poetry Contest Sponsored by: Mark Toney

Copyright © | Year Posted 2022




Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem.

Please Login to post a comment

Date: 9/30/2022 3:35:00 PM
Milton back to congratulate you on your First Place win. Well deserved 1st prize.
Login to Reply
Hankins Avatar
L Milton Hankins
Date: 10/1/2022 8:35:00 AM
Thanks so much, Michael. They don't come very often with a trophy, so I was delighted. I didn't expect that kind of reception for this poem.
Date: 9/25/2022 9:47:00 PM
Beautiful win! I actually thought about a white swan that hangs out all alone with the ducks and geese on one of the lakes I paddle in...it's been there several years now...next time I see it, i will think of your poem! :)
Login to Reply
Hankins Avatar
L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/26/2022 7:38:00 AM
Aw, thanks, Susan. They are so beautiful.
Date: 9/24/2022 3:15:00 PM
Your poem is poignant and so lovely. Many congratulations on First place!
Login to Reply
Hankins Avatar
L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/24/2022 3:18:00 PM
Thanks so much, Ann. It was a marvelous surprise.
Date: 9/24/2022 11:55:00 AM
Well, i swan! Very well done, sir! Congrats on a win and a fine piece of work
Login to Reply
Hankins Avatar
L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/24/2022 12:53:00 PM
Thank you so much, Jeff. I haven't heard that expression for years. It's ol' mountain talk!
Date: 9/24/2022 11:21:00 AM
Wow, a real beauty, Milt. Congrats to you.
Login to Reply
Hankins Avatar
L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/24/2022 12:53:00 PM
Thank you, Andrea. I'm so pleased it did well.
Date: 9/24/2022 5:44:00 AM
Inspiring and beautiful Milton, a huge congratulations.
Login to Reply
Hankins Avatar
L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/24/2022 8:19:00 AM
Thank you so much, Terry, for your effusive comment.
Date: 9/24/2022 4:35:00 AM
Milt, a big congratulations !!! Such beautiful lines of uplifting words deserve a first place win!!
Login to Reply
Hankins Avatar
L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/24/2022 8:20:00 AM
Thanks, Mike. It's always good to hear from you. Thanks for the warm comment.
Date: 9/24/2022 3:45:00 AM
Wow! Congrats! Thanks for sharing this inspiring muse of yours... I'm so delighted most with the last stanza. God bless you.
Login to Reply
Hankins Avatar
L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/24/2022 8:20:00 AM
Blessings to you, Beata. Thanks for your compliment.
Date: 9/24/2022 3:32:00 AM
A very beautiful entry Milt. Love the choice of the swan as your subject. Such graceful creatures. Really appreciate the meaningful messages that your poem contains. Thank you for entering this contest and huge congrats on your win :-D
Login to Reply
Hankins Avatar
L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/24/2022 8:21:00 AM
Thank you so much, Natasha. I thoroughly enjoyed writing for your contest and am so grateful for the win.
Date: 9/19/2022 7:31:00 PM
This is BYootiful!! I think it's a blue-ribbon special for the contest myself. Elegant ink, Milt! A FAVE for me. Bravo, Gershon
Login to Reply
Hankins Avatar
L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/19/2022 7:44:00 PM
Thank you so much, gw. It is so meaningful to me that you liked the poem and FAVED it. Wow!
Date: 9/19/2022 4:07:00 PM
“I wandered lonely as a swan” is simply lovely poetry Milton, a good contender for Natasha’s contest… Belle
Login to Reply
Hankins Avatar
L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/19/2022 4:09:00 PM
Belle, your comment is so meaningful to me. Thank you so much.
Date: 9/19/2022 11:17:00 AM
Your story line is heartfelt for the swan Milton. A lost love brings in emotions felt within oneself. Nicely written. Thanks for sharing. Glad your back...
Login to Reply
Hankins Avatar
L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/19/2022 11:36:00 AM
Thanks so much, Michael. It is good to be back. I missed everyone.

Book: Shattered Sighs