L Milton Hankins Poet Quatrain

A Repaired Heart

Twenty-nine years ago my heart gave up on me 
Just sixteen days following my fiftieth birthday, 
attacked like a ton of bricks, suddenly, on a 
Sunday evening, toward the close of the day. 

A heavy wet snow had blanketed the ground 
And the hospital was thirty miles away, needless 
to say, I was sicker than I had ever been before, 
Urged to quit smoking often, I had been heedless. 

Five days later, right after the Christmas holiday, 
The doctors cut me open, repaired the pump, and 
gave me a new chance at life, healthier smoke-free, 
I am so grateful.  Now, wasn’t that grand! 

When I visit cardiologists they often say to me 
“My goodness, are you still around?  It is the truth-- 
one doesn’t survive for so long an attack like you had!” 
I have no answers for them, for a question so uncouth. 

This I CAN say, however, with considerable confidence 
Eating healthily, exercise, all things in moderation,  
giving up tobacco, taking medications, living one day 
at a time, are worthy of everyone’s consideration.

HONORABLE MENTION
"How to Keep Your Good Health" Poetry Contest
All Poetry
April 14, 2022

SIXTH PLACE WINNER
Heart Harp Contest
Sponsored by Chantelle Anne Cook

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Linda Alice Fowler March 8, 2021 at 6:34 AM Hi Milt :) Congratulations on the win! Linda L Milton Hankins March 8, 2021 at 8:21 AM Thanks, Linda. Hope you have a wonderful day.

Constance La France March 6, 2021 at 5:25 PM Milton, so sorry you had a heart attack, but you are a survivor and here you are now writing poetry for us congratulations on your win in Chantelle's contest with this excellent poem, well done _Constance L Milton Hankins March 8, 2021 at 8:22 AM I appreciate you so much, Constance. You have taught me so much about good writing through your poetry. Thanks for your encouragement and kind comment.

Connie Marcum Wong February 27, 2021 at 8:38 PM How wonderful you got your second chance. My husband died from COPD and heart attack. He was a smoker and despite my urging he did not give up cigarettes soon enough. He gave them up and in seven years he was dead. I wish you well. Nice to meet you. Blessings Connie L Milton Hankins February 27, 2021 at 8:58 PM Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I'm so sorry your husband died. I try, but I have never been able to convince a smoker. My wife was a life-long smoker, and she passed away from a cancer directly related to smoking. I think all tobacco products should be banned around the world! Just MHO!

Kim Rodrigues February 27, 2021 at 11:02 AM Thank you for the advice! Heeded, I hope! L Milton Hankins February 27, 2021 at 11:18 AM Thank you, Kim. I hope everyone will heed it. It's good advice, in any case!

Janice Canerdy February 27, 2021 at 5:47 AM Great, uplifting poem! God gave you a second chance, and you have made the best use of it! Janice L Milton Hankins February 27, 2021 at 9:49 AM Thanks, Janice. I certainly hope so. I have found, in writing poetry, I have the opportunity to influence many people. It's a good thing!

Regina Mcintosh February 27, 2021 at 4:01 AM Wonderfully done and wonderful and warm. Love it. God bless you with love and prayers, Gina L Milton Hankins February 27, 2021 at 9:48 AM Thanks, Regina. Your comments are so helpful. I appreciate what you say, always!

J. Summers February 26, 2021 at 5:35 PM Great poem, I appreciate you sharing this with us. So glad it worked out for you and your poetry. I’m in the process of trying to make changes myself. Congratulations, you just became my role model and I’m gonna put a copy of your poem on my refrigerator. John L Milton Hankins February 27, 2021 at 9:48 AM J., thanks and please do put it on your refrigerator as a reminder. Life is so precious, and it takes a lot of work to keep it viable. Best of luck in making "changes" yourself! 100% behind you!

Alexis Y. February 26, 2021 at 4:42 PM Hi L. Milton, What a moving write on such bad time in your life. You are a walking miracle and you lived to your story. Now you are more health conscious. Thanks for sharing such a write. Have a wonderful weekend:-) Alexis L Milton Hankins February 26, 2021 at 7:33 PM Thanks, Alexis. I just hope it is helpful for someone...I should have called it Advice from an Old Dude! LOL