L Milton Hankins Poet Sonnet

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

♡Like0

Share Poem

---

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

David Mohn January 24, 2022 at 7:45 AM wonderfully descriptive Milton...congratulations :) L Milton Hankins January 24, 2022 at 9:17 AM Thanks so much, David. I am so pleased you read my poem, and I appreciate your thoughtful comment.

Connie Marcum Wong January 23, 2022 at 9:39 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 January 23, 2022 at 9:41 PM Thank you so much, Connie. I really appreciate your comment. Blessings to you, too.

Eve Roper January 23, 2022 at 7:55 PM Congratulations on your win,Milt, great feel and imagery . Hugs and blessings for a better year in your life L Milton Hankins January 23, 2022 at 9:37 PM Thanks so much, Eve. I certainly hope so. You, too.

Christuraj Alex January 23, 2022 at 7:07 PM A very beautiful description of the scene.Skating - a realistic illustration. Congratulations! L Milton Hankins January 23, 2022 at 9:37 PM Thank you so much, Christuraj.

Brian Sambourne January 23, 2022 at 3:40 PM A grand scene of skaters precariously balanced on river ice. Congratulations, Milton! Cheers, Brian L Milton Hankins January 23, 2022 at 4:31 PM Thank you so much for your read and your thoughtful comment, Brian.

Caren Krutsinger November 30, 2021 at 9:15 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 November 30, 2021 at 9:50 PM And we were getting so cold we thought we would freeze. I remember the hot chocolate afterwards!