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In Dublin Gaol

‘Tis lucky me father lies in the grave, Than t’see the havoc I have wreaked In the name of actin’ bold and brave, My misadventures dastardly peaked. In this musky gaol I am wasting away While me life passes before me eyes Chaplains teaching me how to pray, Give up with their lugubrious sighs. Long since I no longer wish for home Before the blazin’ fires of the hearth, Cedar sizzles and marshmallows foam My children giggle at songs of mirth. And me here so cold behind these walls I no longer dream of freedom’s will, While me sentence spurts and stalls I swallow punishment’s bitter swill. SEVENTH PLACE WINNER Written October 17, 2022 Submitted to "2022 Poetry Marathon Mile 18" Poetry Contest Sponsored by Mark Toney

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Susan Ashley

Date: 11/11/2022 8:37:00 AM

Dear Milt, this is such a soulful piece. The woeful emotions and the atmospheric imagery is palpable, powerful and poignant. Brilliant writing with an authentic air of the Irish. Congratulations for your excellent win in Mark's contest. warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Susan Ashley
Date: 11/11/2022 11:24:00 AM

The mysterious gift of inspiration is a beautiful one, isn’t it, my friend..?

L Milton Hankins
Date: 11/11/2022 9:17:00 AM

Thanks so much, Susan. I have no idea where the idea came from, but I knew it had to be written in dialect. It turned out pretty good, I think. Thank you again, for your kind thoughts.

Tom Cunningham

Date: 11/5/2022 2:21:00 AM

Love this one Milton, my parents were Irish and I have cousins in Dublin. The jail that came to mind was Kilmainham in Dublin. Congrats on your win. Tom

Tom Cunningham
Date: 11/5/2022 9:31:00 AM

You certainly did Milton.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 11/5/2022 8:06:00 AM

I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Tom. I thoroughly enjoyed writing this little poem, trying to get the brogue just right. I hope I succeeded.

Gary Radice

Date: 11/3/2022 1:08:00 PM

Hi Milt. I must have missed this poem first time around. Even if this poem had been left untitled, I would have guessed the subject of your poem was Irish just from your first line. John, below, has said it all. Loved it Milt. Cheers - Gary

L Milton Hankins
Date: 11/3/2022 1:41:00 PM

Thank you so much, Gary. A compliment from you is a compliment I will always treasure.

John Watt

Date: 11/2/2022 10:58:00 PM

Wonderful writing, Milt. The melancholy is tangible with the regrets, shame, despair, and longing for the comforts of home. The Irish dialect adds a measure of authenticity. Congratulations for your marathon win ~ John

L Milton Hankins
Date: 11/3/2022 8:25:00 AM

Thank you, John. I enjoyed the write and was happy that it did well in the marathon.

Mark Toney

Date: 11/2/2022 2:16:00 PM

'Don't do the crime if you can't do the time!' Milton, your word choice is brilliant. The dialect you chose is spot on adding authenticity and substance to the poor bloke "in this musty gaol." A Fav poem for me. Congratulations on your win on Mile 18 of my 2022 Poetry Marathon Contest. Keep your running shoes on because Mile 19 has already started.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 11/2/2022 8:39:00 PM

Thank you so very much, Mark. Yes, I'm still in the running. Will be there until the final flag!

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 10/21/2022 2:12:00 AM

I love this new word Hank! "lugubrious" - this is SUCH a great word! Thank you! Lovely poem!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 10/21/2022 8:46:00 AM

Glad you enjoyed the poem, Caren. You can use it anytime with my blessing!

Unseeking Seeker

Date: 10/17/2022 6:51:00 PM

Superb write, Milt. It also raises the question of how a wayward soul should be steered back into the mainstream, with consciousness corrected, reformed, rather than being imprisoned, destroying his will, his zest for life. That’s not to say justice should not be done but an eye for an eye policy perhaps shows a backward society

L Milton Hankins
Date: 10/17/2022 8:57:00 PM

Thank you, Unseeking Seeker, for your thoughtful and thought-provoking comment on my poem.

Michael Tor

Date: 10/17/2022 3:47:00 PM

Your Dublin Gaol you have mastered Milton. Love your use of words and the theme is unique and sharing...

L Milton Hankins
Date: 10/17/2022 8:58:00 PM

Thanks so much, Michael. It was a most enjoyable write.

Becky Forbes

Date: 10/17/2022 2:31:00 PM

Captivating!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 10/17/2022 5:51:00 PM

Thanks, Becky.