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Bittersweet Memories

Whispering sighs through the white birch trembling Like the sweet sounds of my whispering word Against soft crevices of your flesh, mumbling Expressions of ardent love went unheard. Summer love slipped before beyond my grasp Left stale memories in my aching heart, Two hearts lovingly entwined, two hands clasped Before cool autumn ripped us apart. I strolled beneath the canopying birch Recalled pleasures underneath their singing, When I walked beside the village church I heard sounds like the chapel bells ringing, Bittersweet musing on this occasion Another poignant summer persuasion. SECOND PLACE WINNER written May 15, 2021 for "Summer Love Sonnet" contest sponsored by John Hamilton 14 lines of 10 syllables each checked by PS counter

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Lin Lane

Date: 7/23/2022 7:40:00 AM

I'm a sucker for bittersweet poems that tell of love and heartache. This one did not disappoint my expectations of you.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/23/2022 9:01:00 AM

Thank you so very much, Lin, for your kind and encouraging comment. It is good to hear from you.

Unseeking Seeker

Date: 5/24/2021 8:09:00 AM

Exquisite word craft! Congrats on your win, Milton!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 5/24/2021 1:14:00 PM

Thank you so much, Unseeking Seeker, for your sweet comment.

John Hamilton

Date: 5/24/2021 7:56:00 AM

Enjoyed this unique sonnet with it's interesting word choices and combos, just what I was hoping for! Congrats L Milton on a great win!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 5/24/2021 1:15:00 PM

Thank you so much for my placement in your contest, John. I'm glad you liked the sonnet.

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 5/18/2021 12:11:00 AM

Lovely sonnet, marvelous imagery - I have tried them they are not as easy as you would make us think when we read this. Good luck in the contest!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 5/18/2021 9:13:00 AM

You are too kind, Caren. Indeed, I think you could write any format you choose very well. You are a very talented lady!

Sam Kauffman

Date: 5/17/2021 1:00:00 PM

Pensive, yearning memories LM! I like the use of the chiming bells image that awakens your "bittersweet musing." Wonderful, creative rhyme sequence. Best wishes for the contest! Blessings on your walks!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 5/17/2021 1:16:00 PM

Thanks so much for your thoughts, Sam. I liked it much better before I had to pare it down to 10-syllables per line. LOL

Sotto Poet

Date: 5/17/2021 12:58:00 PM

Very well written Milton, summer is the perfect time for love, hoping that the romantic feelings don't fall on deaf ears. I wish you good luck in the contest

L Milton Hankins
Date: 5/17/2021 1:17:00 PM

Thanks so much, Lasaad. Your comment is so well-taken.

Nancy Kaufman

Date: 5/17/2021 12:54:00 PM

very touching. I really liked the "whispering sighs thru the white birch" part. I could really feel your longing. Good job Milton.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 5/17/2021 1:17:00 PM

Thanks, Nancy. I appreciated your visit and your sweet comment on the line.