Home » Poems » L Milton Hankins » A Word of Advice

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

poemspoetrywritingverse

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Caren Krutsinger

September 27, 2021 at 9:46 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.

L Milton Hankins

September 28, 2021 at 8:23 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

September 26, 2021 at 3:30 PM

Short but sweet and wise

L Milton Hankins

September 26, 2021 at 3:35 PM

Thank you, Juanita. But, right on target!

John Lawless

September 25, 2021 at 5:55 AM

If advice could be given in one word....

L Milton Hankins

September 25, 2021 at 8:31 AM

It can, John. DON'T!

Jan Allison

September 25, 2021 at 5:42 AM

once bitten twice shy eh Milton:-( hugs Jan xx

L Milton Hankins

September 25, 2021 at 9:55 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 Godwin

September 25, 2021 at 4:02 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

L Milton Hankins

September 25, 2021 at 9:57 AM

Thanks, CayCay. It's good to hear from you, and I appreciate your thoughts, opinions, advice, and understanding!

A Word of Advice

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