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Beneath Them Steady Waters Still Are Flowing

During colder winters the river freezes over A vast sheet of ice spreading shore to shore While the traffic awaits March’s spring thaw, Old boatmen share traditional waterway lore And skaters, cautiously marking the depths, Note where the ice is much too thin to bear The weight of the heavily clad winter reveler. Young skaters unbalanced with arms a-flailing Struggle to find their real strength and rhythm Beneath them steady waters still are flowing, Providing neither instruction nor algorithm Like navigating the barges, downriver going, Only time and practice will develop expertise, Seemingly to watchers on the shore with ease. THIRD PLACE WINNER entered "Winter Wonders Within Nature" Poetry Contest sponsored by M. L. Kiser written November 29, 2021

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David Mohn

Date: 1/24/2022 7:45:00 AM

wonderfully descriptive Milton...congratulations :)

L Milton Hankins
Date: 1/24/2022 9:17:00 AM

Thanks so much, David. I am so pleased you read my poem, and I appreciate your thoughtful comment.

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 1/23/2022 9:39:00 PM

I never would trust that the ice wouldn’t crack and break. Kids are fearless though. Congratulations on your wonderful win Milton. Blessings xxoo

L Milton Hankins
Date: 1/23/2022 9:41:00 PM

Thank you so much, Connie. I really appreciate your comment. Blessings to you, too.

Eve Roper

Date: 1/23/2022 7:55:00 PM

Congratulations on your win,Milt, great feel and imagery . Hugs and blessings for a better year in your life

L Milton Hankins
Date: 1/23/2022 9:37:00 PM

Thanks so much, Eve. I certainly hope so. You, too.

Christuraj Alex

Date: 1/23/2022 7:07:00 PM

A very beautiful description of the scene.Skating - a realistic illustration. Congratulations!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 1/23/2022 9:37:00 PM

Thank you so much, Christuraj.

Brian Sambourne

Date: 1/23/2022 3:40:00 PM

A grand scene of skaters precariously balanced on river ice. Congratulations, Milton! Cheers, Brian

L Milton Hankins
Date: 1/23/2022 4:31:00 PM

Thank you so much for your read and your thoughtful comment, Brian.

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 11/30/2021 9:15:00 PM

I remember being one of these young skaters and we were on a bumpy pond with sticks and stuff making huge bumps. "Young skaters unbalanced with arms a-flailing Struggle to find their real strength and rhythm" It is difficult but fun!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 11/30/2021 9:50:00 PM

And we were getting so cold we thought we would freeze. I remember the hot chocolate afterwards!