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A Calamitous Silence

The sky is threatening, an ominous shade Of gray with streaks of ebony interspersed As a calamitous silence hovers o’er the glade. What were white clouds were dispersed Being replaced with these angry storm clouds Of gray with streaks of ebony interspersed. They remind me of dreaded funereal shrouds Some would willingly make that exchange, Being replaced with these angry storm clouds. In that sense, they do appear eerily strange, Mother Nature offers no cheerful alternative Some would willingly make that exchange. That the sky is threatening is contemplative Of the end of life in all its dire ramification, Mother Nature offers no cheerful alternative. So, must every (wo)man find their station In life and shine brightly, then slowly fade, Comes once to everyone from all the nations As a calamitous silence hovers o’er the glade.
FIRST PLACE WINNER written December 11, 2021 Brian Strand Poetry Contest

Copyright © | Year Posted 2021




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Date: 3/25/2022 9:43:00 PM
"sky is threatening", "Mother Nature offers no cheerful alternative" - Beautiful. Congratulations!
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L Milton Hankins
Date: 3/25/2022 9:56:00 PM
Thank you so much, Chris.
Date: 12/12/2021 4:55:00 PM
Your skies sound intriguing, terrific imagery. I am glad you were not ducking a tornado.
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L Milton Hankins
Date: 12/12/2021 5:29:00 PM
It hit southwestern Kentucky, although we did have some pretty stormy weather for a couple of days. No tornado in Ashland, TG!
Date: 12/11/2021 4:56:00 PM
A magnificent example of a challenging poetry form, as shown here. During this awful storm, you created a beautiful poem. Milton, I hope you're doing well during these difficult circumstances.
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L Milton Hankins
Date: 12/11/2021 6:22:00 PM
Thank you so much for your complimentary comment, Lasaad. Although we have had stormy weather, the disastrous tornadoes were on the other side of the state to the south of us. Thanks for your thoughts and concern.
Date: 12/11/2021 2:49:00 PM
A masterful example of a difficult poetic form. Have you published in New Yorker?
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L Milton Hankins
Date: 12/11/2021 4:09:00 PM
No, I have not, Michael. My most prominent publication is Christian Century, but I have also had poems in Grit, Capper's Weekly, and other national publications. Oh, how I'd love to appear in New Yorker, but I don't think I have what it takes. I think you do, though.

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