L Milton Hankins Poet Villanelle

A Far Better Man

"Every struggle in my life has been a lesson
and made me stronger."
--Constance La France

I know that I am a far better man for my sorrow
The worst times of my life increased my strength
Through tears, I always see a brighter tomorrow.

I try to live with my own woes, never borrow
When facing others’, holding them at arms-length
I know that I am a far better man for my sorrow.

When depression attempts to land a lethal blow
And I find myself drowning, teetering on the brink,
Through tears, I always see a brighter tomorrow.

I visualize better days while crying into my pillow,
Determined not to allow all my pleasures to sink
I know that I am a far better man for my sorrow.

Between the best and worst of times in the tarot
I have come to understand there is an indelible link
Through tears, I always see a brighter tomorrow.

During the worst times, I plow a straighter furrow
I row harder, not allowing myself to go over the brink,
I know that I am a far better man for my sorrow
Through tears, I always see a brighter tomorrow. 

[Theme - #1 - Introspection] 

FIRST PLACE WINNER 
Written November 14, 2022
Submitted to “WRITING CHALLENGE – “V” Forms” Poetry Contest
Sponsored by Constance La France

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Kim Rodrigues December 1, 2022 at 3:48 PM Congratulations, Milton! L Milton Hankins December 1, 2022 at 8:13 PM Thank you so much, Kim.

Sara Kendrick November 30, 2022 at 5:59 AM Congratulations on this winning work in Constance's contest. Way to go. Sara L Milton Hankins November 30, 2022 at 8:57 AM Thanks so much, Sara.

Constance La France November 28, 2022 at 10:09 AM Milt, a beautiful Villanelle poem, I love it. Congratulations on your win in my Writing Challenge, V Forms inspired by my quote, well done, blessings L Milton Hankins November 28, 2022 at 12:31 PM Thank you so much, Constance, for this fine contest and my placement. I really enjoyed writing for it.

Christuraj Alex November 23, 2022 at 8:35 PM "Through tears, I always see a brighter tomorrow" - Beautiful. L Milton Hankins November 23, 2022 at 9:28 PM Thank you, Chris. I really appreciate your comment.

Caren Krutsinger November 17, 2022 at 12:58 PM this is what optimism is all about "Through tears, I always see a brighter tomorrow." L Milton Hankins November 17, 2022 at 1:50 PM I think so, and I believe there is a brighter tomorrow... always.

Gershon Wolf November 15, 2022 at 6:44 PM Sorrow - the prelude to joy (not to mention discovery). Cheers, Gershon L Milton Hankins November 15, 2022 at 6:53 PM Thanks, gw. I do think so!

Tom Cunningham November 14, 2022 at 10:26 AM Life can be cruel indeed Milton but we should never give up on the hope that the sun will rise again in our hearts. Best of luck in the contest. Tom L Milton Hankins November 14, 2022 at 12:08 PM Thank you so much, Tom, for your thoughtful and insightful response to my poem.