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Early Summer In the Meadow

Taking my first summer stroll in the meadow, I marveled at the new growth and flowers The sun was shining full blast, not a single shadow My mind rummaged through its ivory towers. Wild carrot and cosmos were in full bloom Along with larkspur and bright columbine, Tempting me to pick for my living room But I demurred, not to disturb the natural Habitat for the critters, pollinators for the bees Seeing in them something awesomely spiritual, I headed for the woodland line of trees. Surprisingly, someone has set up a salt lick I wonder, this being a wildlife sanctuary Surely no hunting, it hit me like a brick, I thought it so entirely unnecessary. Surely not here...a deer hunter's nasty trick. An afternoon so filled with joy and promise Suddenly was overshadowed with awful thoughts, I quicky turned and headed toward the house, My stomach churning, gut tied up in knots. I shall complain of this infraction to authorities, Next thing I know, they'll be chopping down trees. Written June 3, 2022 [Last year partial fencing was a scare; Now hunting? They wouldn't dare!]

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Caren Krutsinger

Date: 6/6/2022 12:04:00 AM

I put out salt licks for the animals in the winter and we have no guns. Possibly they are helping the wild life? I hope so!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/6/2022 8:10:00 AM

Me too, but I'm feeling threatened. Too much human activity in my meadow!

Terry Flood

Date: 6/5/2022 4:30:00 PM

Always somebody wanting to kill something, Milt. Great poem. I’d have taken the salt lick and left a note saying, ‘Thanks for the lick, any chance of strawberry tomorrow… all my love, Bambi, xx’

L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/5/2022 6:37:00 PM

What a fantastic idea! Okay, time for truth, Terry. The meadow and my walks through to the woodland are entirely fictional. I use the fictional meadow and the woodland as a scene for many of my poems. It is an idyllic place, a place I love and protect, and I am so happy when people enjoy it with me.

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 6/5/2022 10:05:00 AM

Milton, great poem. The loveliness includes: “Wild carrot and cosmos were in full bloom.” That salt lick turned your mind gray, to possibilities of danger to your sanctuary. Prayers.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/5/2022 10:07:00 AM

Thank you so very much, Kim. Yes, it did. When we humans encroach on the natural habitat in a harmful way, it is very distressing for me.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 6/4/2022 3:20:00 PM

I really like this, both the message and the tone of it. So natural and easy to understand. Great work, Milt, and thanks so much. I managed to scrape by on that pantoum list!!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/4/2022 4:13:00 PM

Thanks so much for your comment on my poem and for your gracious thoughts on the Pantoum placement list. I always try to do my best but, as you know, it's not easy to evaluate consistent well-written entries and sometimes it comes down to the sponsor's subjective feelings. You almost convinced me to go out an get a new kitten...but not quite!

Bill Baker

Date: 6/4/2022 2:40:00 PM

Strong message and a disruption to a fine relaxing walk. A good entry for the contest, Milt. Good luck! Bill

Bill Baker
Date: 6/4/2022 3:09:00 PM

Opps! my bad. :-)

L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/4/2022 2:48:00 PM

Not a contest entry, Bill. Just the continuing saga of my favorite meadow. Thanks, Bill.

Marco Chies

Date: 6/4/2022 11:57:00 AM

A poem with a strong ecological message, presenting two facets of the same reality. A catalyzing structure from start to finish, the first part being frankly optimistic, moving to a surprising ending where there was no lack of pain and shock. Thanks for the experience Milton!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/4/2022 1:18:00 PM

Thank you, Marco. The meadow and the woodland are fictional places which provide an avenue for writing and, also, where I can promote ecological and animal rights concerns. I live on a suburban street; however, I can see some scrub growth across a well-kept lawn from my kitchen window. And, I have squirrels in my back yard.

Jennifer Proxenos

Date: 6/4/2022 10:15:00 AM

We have a problem with elephants, lions and Rhinos, despicable horrible poachers who kill for money gain, this continent is rife with such people an absolute disgrace, I can only imagine what you feel when you have seen a salt-lick. I have written several poems which you might enjoy, Elephants Ghost and Greedy poaching. Enjoy your poems Milton. Hugs and blessings, Jennifer.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/4/2022 1:21:00 PM

Thanks so much for understanding, Jennifer, and for commenting.

Andrew John

Date: 6/4/2022 2:14:00 AM

New growth, full bloom, then horror. Lots of stuff here that draws us in. Thank you, LMH.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/4/2022 7:41:00 AM

Thank you, Andrew. I appreciate your read and your thoughtful, complimentary comment.

Sally Eslinger

Date: 6/3/2022 8:51:00 PM

Milton, from beauty to horror, I traveled with you. TOO well written, like your narrator, I felt physically shaken by the end. A reason for poets to speak up! Thank you for this excellent poem! Hugs, sally

L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/3/2022 9:10:00 PM

Thanks, Sally, for your warm and thoughtful response to my poem. I'm glad you enjoyed the stroll with me, even though it had a different ending than expected. I must remind you, the meadow is a fictional place I frequently go to write. But all of the events are real in their own way.