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Young and Foolish Was I

Oh, young and foolish was I Impetuous as an unleased pony In a lush green meadow Where the fences were far away, And I was free to explore. Oh, young and foolish was I Unrestrained by age’s wisdom In a world of opportunity, So unprepared for any danger Hungry for adventure. Oh, young and foolish was I So ignorant and self-assured, Surrounded by possibility Claiming fortunes unearned, Life’s lottery mine. Oh, young and foolish was I Riding high on life’s steed-- No fear, no worry Until I faced a bitter loss, And fell hard. written September 25, 2021

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Caren Krutsinger

Date: 9/27/2021 9:41:00 PM

"So ignorant and self-assured, Surrounded by possibility" This is youth in a clamshell!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/27/2021 9:53:00 PM

It sure is, Caren. Thanks for pointing out those lines, because I remember those times in my life so well.

Rama Balasubramanian

Date: 9/26/2021 11:50:00 AM

Can relate to this one. Loved the ending for with many falls I am a changed person. Very well written. Thanks for your wonderful comments on my poems. They are uplifting, boost my self confidence. Enjoy your weekend.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/26/2021 11:58:00 AM

Well thank you, Rama. Always keep in mind that I read most all of the poems, but I comment only on those I find really well-written and enjoyable to me. You write some very good stuff!

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 9/26/2021 9:36:00 AM

REALLY good work, Milt. I love this analogy to riding a horse and the falling off was perfect conclusion.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/26/2021 10:04:00 AM

Thanks so much, Andrea. Your comments always encourage me.

Heidi Sands

Date: 9/26/2021 7:25:00 AM

Wow. Powerful poem Milton. Well written :)

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/26/2021 8:08:00 AM

Thanks so much, Heidi. I'm glad you found it moving.

Paghunda Zahid

Date: 9/26/2021 1:35:00 AM

And I bet that was the time when you enjoyed the most... I too miss my old young, silly, and stupid self of mine. Lol. Maturity sucks... Well penned Milton

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/26/2021 8:12:00 AM

Thanks so much for your thoughtful and apt remarks on my poem, Paghunda. I appreciated them.

Tom Cunningham

Date: 9/26/2021 12:14:00 AM

As the saying goes we live and learn and hopefully gain wisdom along the way. Enjoy your Sunday. Tom

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/26/2021 8:13:00 AM

So true, Tom, so true. Thanks for your thoughts and have a marvelous Sunday!

Vijay Pandit

Date: 9/25/2021 4:07:00 PM

Brilliantly evoked young and foolish--(no fear, no worries)-- days, Milton. Your poem took me back to those days in this true to life write. The repeating line adds emphasis to the essence of your free verse poem.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/25/2021 8:57:00 PM

Thank you so much, Vijay, for your thoughtful comments on my poem. I appreciated your read and your kindness.