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Foggy Morning Rising

Foggy morning rising, seen from below Gone by noon above New River’s flow, Which, I believe, is hardly surprising Seen from below, foggy morning rising. Like smoking leaves, swirling skyward On the water the geese are plundered, As all too often the forest of its trees Swirling skyward, like smoking leaves. A mountain boy, fishing pole in hand In early morning he is likely to stand By the New River, there is no greater joy Fishing pole in hand, a mountain boy. When the sun comes up, a campfire built Warming hands with his long pole a-tilt From his canteen of hot coffee, he’ll sup A campfire built when the sun comes up. Written August 3, 2022 [Swap Quatrain]

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Caren Krutsinger

Date: 8/6/2022 8:02:00 PM

I like this quatrain so well that I ran to the type to see what it was because I semi-recognized it, but you have made it your own here.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/6/2022 9:19:00 PM

Caren, Emile taught me about this type of quatrain, and I could hardly wait to try it out. It's not as good as his, but it's okay, and I sort of like it. He did, too, apparently.

Emile Pinet

Date: 8/4/2022 9:07:00 AM

I try to find beauty in every poem, sometimes it is buried deep and at other times it shines brightly from the page, as it does with this poem. The reader can relate to the setting created with nostalgic feelings. Nice flow of words and a pleasant-sounding poem, well done my friend, Emile.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/4/2022 12:37:00 PM

Thank you so much, Emile. You truly inspired me to give it a try, and I set right to it. The "Foggy morning rising" came to mind and from there I worked with that thought and the boy up early to go fishing. I liked my finished product, and it makes me feel so good that you enjoyed it.

Michael Tor

Date: 8/4/2022 7:14:00 AM

You have mastered this form of Poetry Milton. Your imagery is fantastic, and this is one of your best. Congratulations... Really appreciate this one, read it three times...

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/4/2022 12:38:00 PM

Thank you, Michael. I liked the result for a first try, and I think I will probably try it more when a theme comes to mind.

Jenna Logan

Date: 8/4/2022 3:44:00 AM

You didn't waste any time trying your hand at a swap quatrain, and you did it with great success, Milt. I'll have to try one when time permits.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/4/2022 12:38:00 PM

It was somewhat difficult, Jenna, but if you get a first stanza just right, it seems to flow nicely. Yes, by all means, give it a try. I'm anxious to see yours.

Tom Cunningham

Date: 8/4/2022 3:31:00 AM

Love the imagery in this one Milton, is this from a memory? Tom

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/4/2022 12:39:00 PM

Thanks, Tom. No, I've never fished New River on a foggy morning. The words just came to me as I was concentrating on the first phrase.

James Marshall Goff

Date: 8/3/2022 7:41:00 PM

A serene setting with magical interactions in nature, very much enjoyed Milt!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/3/2022 7:54:00 PM

Thanks so much, James. I was experimenting with a form called "swap quatrain." I'm glad you enjoyed it.