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From Bad To Worse

Why are serial killers so fascinating? Stories about them are proliferating Is it that our inner nature is macabre? We are intrigued by the actions of a mob, Traffic slows for a look at an accident Our attention is drawn to an incident, We must crave excitement in our lives Learning people get carved up with knives, Anything that captivates our attention, Even some things I dare not mention. We are intrigued by bad to the worse, Yes, even stopping to stare at a hearse. Written October 6, 2022

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Caren Krutsinger

Date: 10/8/2022 7:24:00 AM

It is a fascination that frightens me, for I am sometimes glued to the TV watching Paula Zahn wondering WHY.

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

I hear you loudly and clearly. Although I find it rather perverse, I find myself watching, too. I've been watching Jeffrey Dahmer biopics and documentaries on Netflix, and for the life of me, I can't figure out why.

Terry Flood

Date: 10/6/2022 4:25:00 PM

And of course everyone’s Spielberg with an iPhone. I’m sure some of them would stand and watch someone die, so long as they got their footage. Interesting and unfortunately accurate observations, Milt.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 10/6/2022 5:56:00 PM

You add to my point, Terry. Thanks so much for your thoughtful comments.

Michael Tor

Date: 10/6/2022 2:12:00 PM

Yes your right Milton be careful what you choose to see for it can haunt you in your memories. I guess we have a desire to be shocked at times. I use to work with volunteer firemen who shared some morbid stories. I can't imagine all those that risk their lives to save others without even getting paid. Those are special people. They have seen and dealt with trajedy and graphic scenes that are haunting to know and realize. I do not know why we are fascinated by all this but some are... Thanks...

L Milton Hankins
Date: 10/6/2022 5:57:00 PM

I don't know either, Michael. But, then, I can't be too condemning because I watch some of those horrific biopics.

Ilene Bauer

Date: 10/6/2022 1:58:00 PM

human nature is a very strange and mysterious thing, milton! your poem describes this very well...

L Milton Hankins
Date: 10/6/2022 5:57:00 PM

Thanks, Ilene. I guess that's why we have psychologists and psychiatrists, eh?

Becky Forbes

Date: 10/6/2022 1:29:00 PM

You should see the crowds that gather in the trauma bay when we have a particularly intriguing patient or set of events that precipitated the visit...

Becky Forbes
Date: 10/6/2022 1:45:00 PM

They gawk even while doing their "jobs". The trash needs to be changed at the most interesting times...

L Milton Hankins
Date: 10/6/2022 1:33:00 PM

Oh, I can bet it's an outrageous number of curiosity-seekers. Have they nothing better to do?