L Milton Hankins | + Follow Poet |
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Classroom Debate

Despite the noise of harsh and loud debate 
Rhyme nor reason quells the argument 
Nor breaks the smothery sounds of temper flair, 
And dares dispute the platform proudly sworn 
By proof he wrests the premise by degrees  
The scholar wins the highest trophy earned.


Entered in "All Yours" Contest
Sponsored by Brian Strand
February 24, 2021

Copyright © L Milton Hankins | Year Posted 2021

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Andrea Dietrich Date: 2/22/2021 3:13:00 PM Awesome!! (though my husband might try to argue this one. He dropped out of year one of college!! He's a guy just into manual labor but sometimes street smarts is very useful too) Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 2/22/2021 7:36:00 PM Absolutely. I wouldn't question that for one minute! Thanks for stopping by.

Vijay Pandit Date: 2/22/2021 5:39:00 AM You got the meter and tone just right. It sure takes special skills (born with or developed) to win debates and I certainly hear your message in this poem. Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 2/22/2021 2:25:00 PM Thanks, Vijay. I appreciate that!

Beata Agustin Date: 2/22/2021 12:34:00 AM Thanks for sharing this, reminding me of a worthy academic endeavor (I was privileged to enjoy during my high school and college days) in your awesome poetic style. Thanks likewise for my placement in your recently-judged contest. God bless you. Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 2/22/2021 2:25:00 PM Thanks, Beata. I really appreciated your visit and comments.

Gershon Wolf Date: 2/21/2021 7:23:00 PM Interesting ink here, L Milton. I used to be a debate coach in high school, and I can assure you that the 'scholar' did not always win. Thinking on one's feet, backed by a modicum of scholarship, usually carried the day. At any rate, much food for thought. Thanks, gw Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 2/21/2021 7:49:00 PM Think of it this way: likely the debater with the most facts, knowledge, understanding of logic, and ability to communicate wins. And, in the classroom that generally, but not "always" winds up to be the professor!!! Anyway, s/he wins when the grades come out! Really appreciated your visit and comments, G.W.

Judy Ball Date: 2/21/2021 5:27:00 PM Wow! This is quite the commentary on serious debate. I'm a big supporter of this form of education because it teaches so much. It teaches people not to be afraid to state their views. It teaches them to be prepared any time they are going into an argument. It teaches them to THINK for themselves and not be led by others. If only we could retain these most important skills when election time comes around. Good stuff. God Bless, JB Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 2/21/2021 5:46:00 PM Incidentally, Judy, me, too! L Milton Hankins Date: 2/21/2021 5:44:00 PM Thanks so much, Judy. I was working on iambic pentameter and blank verse, and decided to give it a go. Thus, this six line poem on debate (which is so important, BTW) with the twist that between student and teacher, the degree "always" wins! LOL