L Milton Hankins | + Follow Poet |
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Heart Ache

Eleven months I watched you slowly fade away
Not once did I hear you complain or cry, you said
Soon you would embark on the greatest adventure
Of your life, while you laid suffering in silence,
Something inside me began to slowly die, too.
I tried hard, but could not stifle the bitter tears,
The dreadful hurting each day deep in my stomach
That would not go away no matter what I tried.

Then, they told me you had slipped away in the night
You began that splendid journey you spoke about.
I did not cry because I had no crying left,
But I cannot stop the gnawing in my stomach
Which will never go away, no matter how long,
Lingering, the heart ache that will last forever.


FIRST PLACE WINNER
Written April 21, 2021
For "Writing Prompt 'Ache' Contest"

#20 on Best New Poems
Sponsored by Constance La France
14 - 12 syllable lines checked with How Many Syllables

Placed #21 on Best New Poems List
Poetry Soup
May 13, 2021

Copyright © L Milton Hankins | Year Posted 2021

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Ann Peck Date: 3/9/2022 2:02:00 PM I've just found this poem, Milton. Don't know how I missed it...it is so beautiful and sad, and written so well. Congratulations on your win! Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 3/9/2022 4:16:00 PM Thank you so much, Ann. I appreciate your insightful comment.

Constance La France Date: 4/27/2021 3:19:00 PM Milt, congratulations on your win in my Writing Prompt -Ache- Challenge with this beautiful Blank Verse poem written with so much feeling and emotion, it truly touched my heart, well done, love _Constance Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 4/27/2021 6:23:00 PM Ah, so many thanks, Constance, for your thoughtful response to this tear-jerker. It did come from the deepest places in my heart, and I doubt that I will ever be able again to write such a poignant verse. I'm glad you were touched. Blessings!

Unseeking Seeker Date: 4/26/2021 11:14:00 PM The body dies but the soul lives on, assuming new forms, as our ascension to Gods realisation continues. Congrats on your top win, Milton! Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 4/27/2021 7:10:00 AM Thanks so much, Unseeking Seeker. I appreciate your wise commentary.

David Kavanagh Date: 4/26/2021 2:35:00 PM Congratulations Milton on an excellent win, with a deeply personal and touching poem, written with palpable honesty and humility, cheers David Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 4/26/2021 2:55:00 PM Thanks so much, David. It truly was written from the heart, and I think that shows through. Those are the best kinds of poems...from within the heart.

Marilene Evans Date: 4/26/2021 1:48:00 PM Sad; but so sweet. Congrats. Have a great day. Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 4/26/2021 2:55:00 PM Thanks, Marilene. I appreciate your comment so much. You have a wonderful day, too.

Beryl Edmonds Date: 4/26/2021 1:47:00 PM So sorry for your loss L and the heart ache that’ll ever go away. Congratulations on the win ... Belle Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 4/26/2021 2:54:00 PM Thanks, Belle. You are so right. It will never go away, but I am learning to adapt.

Darlene De Beaulieu Date: 4/22/2021 11:54:00 AM Hello Milton, I feel your loss of your love one. She will always be with you in spirit. Enjoy your day my friend. Login to Reply Darlene De Beaulieu Date: 4/22/2021 4:44:00 PM Hello Milton, yes she will be there. She is special to you. so she is replaceable. Enjoy your evening my friend. L Milton Hankins Date: 4/22/2021 12:07:00 PM Thanks, Darlene. Yes, I know she will be. She'll always be the one thing in my entire life that is irreplaceable. You have a good weekend coming up.

Lady Labyrinth Date: 4/22/2021 5:17:00 AM Magic sits with you as you write... she is never far away. Give it all you have and more. x Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 4/22/2021 9:01:00 AM Thanks so much for your gracious compliment and encouragement, Lady. I truly appreciated it.

Panagiota Romios Date: 4/21/2021 11:38:00 PM You are familar with...DEATH be NOT PROUD by Johm Donne? Happened to see it and thought of you Panagiota xx Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 4/22/2021 9:01:00 AM Oh, yes, I am familiar with it. Thanks!

Panagiota Romios Date: 4/21/2021 11:28:00 PM Best wishes, methinks you could be a noveliist as well as an extraordinary Poet. Condolences on your loss.i can relate as I know know someone like that. It's as if you are describing the same person. "Ready for the Journey" Have to FAV THIS, MY FRIEND. OUTSTANDING. HUGS, PAMAGIOTA Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 4/22/2021 9:00:00 AM Thanks, Panag...I have written six novels, one non-fiction (published), a book of short stories (published), my autobiography, and zillions of poems, so I've done a lot of writing in my 79 years. Thanks for your sweet and gracious compliment.