L Milton Hankins | + Follow Poet |
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A Bit of Creativity

It was an old bicycle my folks found for me
Hardly a prize, but they couldn’t afford better
So, I knew it’d never win in any Grand Prix
But I could make it unique, fit me like a sweater.

I knew it would be noticed, get a second look
No one would deem it the work of a felon,
Actually, no little work or materials it took
On canvas in the spokes, I painted watermelon.

When I ride it down the street, I hear a cheer
A streak of lightness passing all the others
And if I had the bike of my dreams this year
A melon-wheeled two-wheeler…my druthers!

Truth is, sometimes we don’t get what we want
And we have to make do with what we’ve got
I tell you we may have to experience a taunt
But with a bit of creativity, we can make it hot! 

Written June 27, 2022
submitted to "A Watermelon Fantasy Ride
to Feed My Imagination" Poetry Contest
sponsored by Mystic Rose Rose

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Caren Krutsinger Date: 7/3/2022 2:09:00 AM "e have to make do with what we’ve got" - OH this is SO FAMILIAR to me! I am smiling now in solidarity Hank. Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 7/3/2022 8:47:00 AM Apparently we grew up with the same parents, Caren! Only difference, you had a loving father and I had an abusive one.

Mike Gentile Date: 6/28/2022 4:51:00 AM We may not always get what we want but I find that I get what I need! Your "watermelon" poem is just what the menu needed today!! A love, fun write Milt! Good luck in the contest! Happy Tuesday ! Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 6/28/2022 8:08:00 AM Thank you so much, Mike, for your comment on my poem. I hope you have a wonderful Tuesday, as well.

Jenna Logan Date: 6/28/2022 3:05:00 AM Truth is, we can all make do with what we have instead of wanting something better, faster, grander. Your story is charming, witty, and fun, Milt! Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 6/28/2022 8:09:00 AM Thanks, Jenna. I really appreciate your thoughts on my poem.

Jeff Kyser Date: 6/27/2022 7:54:00 PM I like it, Milt! I couldn’t afford a new dirt bike when they were the hit in CA in the early 70s, but I bought an old girls bike, put motocross handlebars on it, and spray painted it bronze. It was ugly and I got teased for having a girl’s bike, but it rode fine and I was happy, rode it everywhere. Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 6/28/2022 8:10:00 AM Oh, I think many of us kids went through this, having been born and raised into families that couldn't afford much. I had several "used" vehicles when I was a kid.