L Milton Hankins Poet Bio

A Purpose To Understand

The happiest times in my life came late
After military service and my college years
Mid-thirties, I would not hesitate to say,
I finally moved beyond many crippling fears
Determining my own destiny, my path in life,
Away from the dysfunctional family I knew 
Free, at last, from years filled with strife,
Long after my mama was gone; father, too,
I have vivid memories of crying copious tears
Because of my alcoholic father’s sadistic abuse
For which, of course, there was no excuse,
I nourished relationships with friendly peers.
An early failed marriage must be mentioned,
Two wonderful children before it fell apart
As a father, I was extremely well-intentioned
But it’s hard to maintain with a broken heart.
By my forties, I achieved success in my career
Rebuilt with firm foundations, married again,
And my life shifted into, I’d say, high gear
I found purpose in life in a meaningful domain.
The last half of life has been happy, for sure,
Thirty-five years with my dear wife was grand
It took a long time for me to become mature
Realizing it all has a purpose to understand,
I learned lots with Deborah holding my hand.

Written August 9, 2022

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Caren Krutsinger August 12, 2022 at 9:06 PM Deborah and you were so good together, good for each other. I love this one!

Michael Tor August 9, 2022 at 9:36 PM Milton so sorry for the Trauma your father caused you and your siblings and mother. I am sure it made you what you are today, through the good and the bad, you overcame but not so easy for I am sure you have emotional scars that remind you of that past. Your openess shows great courage on your part, and I think a resolve too. I can recall some moments in my life where there was dysfunction also . It stole my childhood and I grew up real fast. I had loving parents but in the early part of their.. Michael Tor August 10, 2022 at 1:10 PM That is wonderful to know... L Milton Hankins August 10, 2022 at 7:54 AM I did manage to survive and make something out of myself. And, my father's behavior certainly made me determined to be a better father than he was. Michael Tor August 9, 2022 at 9:42 PM marriage my dad had an affair and came clean by telling my mother and my mother for ten years made my father's life hell, and unfortunately we kids suffered through it. I turned to boxing and sports to escape my trauma. In the end we thank God we all healed. It wasn't I don't believe as harsh as what you went through. I am glad you overcame this part in your life Milton. God is good. Enjoy your week and keep on writing. God bless...

Gershon Wolf August 9, 2022 at 8:19 PM That's quite a bio, Milt. My hat's off to you for overcoming such difficult early years. Way to go!! Keep on keeping on, Gershon L Milton Hankins August 10, 2022 at 7:55 AM Thank you, gw. Occasionally it's a good thing to write something that is carthartic. Our early experiences linger far into our later years. We can forgive and we can do better, but we can never forget!

Shirley Hawkins August 9, 2022 at 4:27 PM We learn to cherish the good times more if we have endured bad times earlier in life. Learning the hard way. I enjoyed reading your bio, especially the last two lines. L Milton Hankins August 9, 2022 at 6:36 PM Thank you so much, Shirley. Indeed, the last two lines were worth it all!

Kim Rodrigues August 9, 2022 at 3:05 PM Often life has no straight path. Glad you found happiness and purpose! L Milton Hankins August 9, 2022 at 4:22 PM Thank you so much, Kim. Yes, I finally got a wonderful life.