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A Word of Advice

God forbid that I should offer a word of advice
On how one might make a mediocre poem sublime
Or to suggest that fewer words might as well suffice
Tell me once and you’ve no need to tell me twice.

written September 24, 2021

Copyright © L Milton Hankins | Year Posted 2021

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Caren Krutsinger Date: 9/27/2021 9:46:00 PM On another site when I get a "suggestion" I always know I am going to click on it and it is going to say "new poet". And I have not been disappointed yet; this poem made me smile - remembering that. Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 9/28/2021 8:23:00 AM I'm convinced, overall, that poets are a thin-skinned lot. I take suggestions very seriously, and I don't mind them unless they are frivilous or nasty or nitpicky. In fact, I appreciate them, and I will often edit a poem to reflect a suggestion.

Juanita Oosthuizen Date: 9/26/2021 3:30:00 PM Short but sweet and wise Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 9/26/2021 3:35:00 PM Thank you, Juanita. But, right on target!

John Lawless Date: 9/25/2021 5:55:00 AM If advice could be given in one word.... Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 9/25/2021 8:31:00 AM It can, John. DON'T!

Jan Allison Date: 9/25/2021 5:42:00 AM once bitten twice shy eh Milton:-( hugs Jan xx Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 9/25/2021 9:55:00 AM Yep, I learned the hard way. You know, I always appreciate when someone gives me good advice, but I learned to be very careful about giving advice. And, certainly, avoid it on Poetry Soup. If I can't say something very nice and thoughtful, I don't comment at all. I learned the hard way that this is NOT a poetry seminar!

CayCay Jennings Date: 9/25/2021 4:02:00 AM Some advice is good to ponder and some is born of people's ignorance, but, either way it is the speaker who owns the words, not the designated 'target' for lack of a better word. Well written and thought provoking ... CayCay Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 9/25/2021 9:57:00 AM Thanks, CayCay. It's good to hear from you, and I appreciate your thoughts, opinions, advice, and understanding!