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Despair

Despair is a crippling emotion of defeat Accompanying the dread onset of depression, Making its victim feel less than complete. Those who suffer it have a lasting impression, And those who overcome it want no repeat. written January 24, 2022

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Caren Krutsinger

Date: 1/25/2022 1:24:00 AM

"Making its victim feel less than complete." This is why I teach children to immediately tell the person "I did not like that. Do not do it again." More importantly, I teach my classes that class leaders ask people to stop teasing others, and tell them that this makes them leaders. Almost 100 percent of the time when other children ask the bully to stop, they stop.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 1/25/2022 9:23:00 AM

Hmmm...I didn't know that. I wonder if the reverse is true. When other children say nothing, even when they might disagree with the bully's action, then the bully feels empowered. It's the old evil triumphs when the good say nothing, or something like that. That's a poor paraphrase, I know.

Bryan Norton

Date: 1/24/2022 7:26:00 PM

Good job. Despair isn't fair. I think you nailed it. Best wishes, Bryan

L Milton Hankins
Date: 1/24/2022 7:54:00 PM

I really appreciate your read and your thoughtful comment on the poem, Bryan. Have a marvelous week!

Shirley Hawkins

Date: 1/24/2022 5:49:00 PM

Too many people suffer from this today, It engulfs and suffocates. The sufferers are Victims of this misunderstood mental illness. Excellent write, Milt. Thank you.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 1/24/2022 7:09:00 PM

Shirley, thank you so much for your kind, thoughtful comment on my quaintain.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 1/24/2022 3:03:00 PM

Excellent use of the form. So well written, Milt. What is title of your chalice poem? Let me know on my page or mail since i rarely see replies under someone's box. I wanted to see how you did that chalice theme.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 1/24/2022 3:43:00 PM

Thanks, Andrea. It's called "Chalice of Night Ceremony," but it's probably way off the mark because I took her "the darker the better" seriously. Mine is unlike any I have read from others so far. Who knows? (Soup Mail)

Paulette Calasibetta

Date: 1/24/2022 1:34:00 PM

It certainly is defeating to be filled with despair, if we can turn it around hope is on the flip side. A perfect Quintain! Cheers, Paulette

L Milton Hankins
Date: 1/24/2022 3:44:00 PM

That is soooo true, Paulette. I try to flip that coin as often as I can, but it's more difficult for me through the SADD season.

Sotto Poet

Date: 1/24/2022 12:34:00 PM

Expertly crafted, profound, and significant, Milt. But never despairing should deter us from our successes. Let's sit back at our age and let things unfold—best regards, dear friend.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 1/24/2022 1:15:00 PM

Good advice, Lasaad. I got my copy of the new Poetry Soup anthology today, and I was pleased to see that one of my poems is across the page from one of yours! I'm having such a good time going through it. Wonderful reads!