L Milton Hankins | + Follow Poet |
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Build Bridges, Not Fences

Let’s everyone begin by loving our brother
And let it spread out to embrace our neighbor
Then cross over the borders that divide us
Realizing that God made us all of one blood;
Then, vow to never take up arms against another
For peace is far more important than property
Especially since we hold it only temporarily.

Of utmost importance is embracing differences
Respecting those who do not look like we look,
Who do not follow the same creeds or philosophies,
We must learn to reach out to everyone in need
Regardless of nationality building bridges, not fences.
Peace is foundational to the well-being of everyone,
And, with concerted effort, we can make it happen.

FIRST PLACE WINNER
Written March 25, 2022
For "Your Peace Message to the World" Poetry Contest
Sponsored by Anoucheka Gangabissoon

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Paula Goldsmith Date: 4/19/2022 12:16:00 PM Congratulations on your win. Have a blessed day writing away........................ Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 4/19/2022 1:30:00 PM Thank you so much, Paula. I hope you are having a good week. Nice to hear from you.

Christuraj Alex Date: 4/17/2022 10:11:00 PM "peace is far more important than property" - Indeed, beautifully written. Congratulations! Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 4/18/2022 8:04:00 AM Ah, so very true, Chris. Thanks for your affirmative comment.

Ann Peck Date: 4/17/2022 9:58:00 AM Oh, Milton, If only we would listen. "...building bridges, not fences." "let's begin by loving our brother..." Why is that so hard for us? Congratulations on your big win! Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 4/17/2022 2:09:00 PM Thank you so very much, Ann. You know, for the life of me, I cannot figure out why it is so hard! I appreciate your thoughtful and insightful comment on my poem.

Anoucheka Gangabissoon Date: 4/17/2022 4:05:00 AM Congrats on your win and thanks for participating :) Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 4/17/2022 7:18:00 AM You are so welcome, Anoucheka. Thanks for sponsoring the contest and for my placement.

Caren Krutsinger Date: 3/27/2022 8:27:00 PM Why do we still not understand this "God made us all of one blood;" We surely should by now! Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 3/27/2022 9:05:00 PM Indeed, we should. I can't understand why we do not.

Tom Cunningham Date: 3/25/2022 1:31:00 PM A well written message of peace Milton, I cant understand why there has to be so much hatred, mistrust and conflict in the world, All most people want is to live in peace, but despots like Putin would rather build fences or in his case an iron curtain. Tom Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 3/25/2022 3:27:00 PM Indeed, Tom. You and I are on the same wavelength. I appreciate your thoughts.

Sotto Poet Date: 3/25/2022 12:10:00 PM Your message of peace resonates throughout, Milt. Exceptional writing, my best wishes in the contest Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 3/25/2022 1:05:00 PM Thank you so much, Lasaad. I tried several times to write a message of peace, and this is the one I thought conveyed my feelings best.