Home » Poems » L Milton Hankins » A Sudden Letdown

A Sudden Letdown

In the middle of doing good for someone Did you ever learn you were being conned? Or, discover that someone you admired -- [Someone of whom you were very fond] Was setting you up for a sudden letdown? You were unable to recognize that ugly smirk You never picked up on that random frown So enamored you failed to see beyond, [and] Before you knew it, some synapse fired Like a light bulb switching on, it dawned, And then, you knew the friendship was done. Written March 17, 2022 [Verso-Rhyme ABCDE-F-EDCBA]

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem.

Please Login to post a comment

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 3/19/2022 7:26:00 PM

Yes, but how many times we sometimes let one of them burn us, not wanting to believe that smirk?

L Milton Hankins
Date: 3/19/2022 7:29:00 PM

Ah, that is so true, Caren. We are always hoping it simply isn't true, and so we, being empaths, look for the good and hope for the best. And, sometimes the betrayal comes without even a smirk!

Gershon Wolf

Date: 3/18/2022 9:17:00 AM

Superb insight, so poetically framed. FAVE-time for me. Thank you, Milt. :) Gershon

L Milton Hankins
Date: 3/19/2022 7:30:00 PM

Thank you, gw, for your thoughts on my poem. I have been "burnt" a few times in my life, so I suppose they are the roots for this poem.

Marco Chies

Date: 3/17/2022 6:03:00 PM

More than once it happened to me... And maybe, even unconsciously, I caused it to others, too. Great question you brought up, Milton!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 3/17/2022 6:08:00 PM

As I mentioned earlier, it happens to everyone at some point in their life, I suppose. It's always a time for sad reflection. Thanks, Marco.

Shirley Hawkins

Date: 3/17/2022 4:27:00 PM

Loss of trust. Ignorance is bliss, sometimes. Sadly your poem is true.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 3/17/2022 5:23:00 PM

Sadly so. We've all experienced it, I'm afraid.

Tom Cunningham

Date: 3/17/2022 3:44:00 PM

I think we've all experienced that betrayal in our lives at some point. And times when you needed help and find those you trusted turn their back on you. That saying, in times of personal crisis you find out who your true friends are. Tom

L Milton Hankins
Date: 3/17/2022 5:24:00 PM

Yes, when we are the needy one, then we find out who will be there for us. Sometimes it isn't the ones we have helped the most.

Ann Foster

Date: 3/17/2022 2:18:00 PM

So exactly true. I have felt this pain more than once as life unfolded at random times. Well written. Excellent truth. Ann

L Milton Hankins
Date: 3/17/2022 2:28:00 PM

Thanks so much for your lovely comment, Ann. Unfortunately, I think we all experience this from time to time.

Jeff Kyser

Date: 3/17/2022 2:10:00 PM

Nice verso! I was trying a chiasmus with a passage out of Exodus - just couldn't get there, but saw some neat role reversals

L Milton Hankins
Date: 3/17/2022 2:29:00 PM

I would think there would be plenty in Proverbs, but I'm not sure. They may be called something else. In fact, I believe they are...you know, the couplets. Thanks for the read, Jeff.

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 3/17/2022 1:44:00 PM

A sinking feeling…with this one! Betrayal and deception hurt.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 3/17/2022 2:29:00 PM

Indeed, Kim, they do, in the worst possible way. To feel you have been deceived by someone you thought was worthy of friendship or help.