L Milton Hankins Poet Sonnet

How Times Have Changed

Summer sun embraced the verdant meadow
Sprinkling golden waves of heat across the lea
From tall Black-eyed Susans and Goldenrod,
To the cool, rippling brook where crayfish stay
Hidden beneath the moss-covered limestone,
Where young, barefoot boys were wont to play

Those were times now consigned to long ago
Because of dangers and bizarre cultural norms,
Children play in public parks carefully attended
By parents, or guardians, or men in uniforms,
Spend their leisure time with game computers
Interested in how the latest pop star performs.

Teenagers tell me I am too old to understand,
But their minds have become a vast wasteland.

NINTH PLACE WINNER
written June 20, 2021
for "Contemporary Sonnet" Poetry Contest
sponsored by Charlotte Puddifoot

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Susan Ashley August 25, 2021 at 5:17 PM Indeed, and unfortunately, your wondrous pen spills profound truth, Milton. Childhood today is a far cry from the adventurous, free-wheeling childhoods of yesteryear. Your thoughtful and beautiful sonnet resonates strongly with me, my friend. Congratulations for your excellent win in Charlotte's contest. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan L Milton Hankins August 25, 2021 at 6:23 PM Thank you so much for your thoughtful, kind words, Susan. They mean a lot to me, and I appreciate them.

Charlotte Puddifoot August 25, 2021 at 5:52 AM i like how you intertwined the traditional and the contemporary within this sonnet; it's very well written, and i particularly like that closing line - i think many minds have become a vast wasteland! lol this was a difficult contest to judge as i had a lot of superb entries - congrats on your win! L Milton Hankins August 25, 2021 at 8:57 AM Thanks so much for my placement, Charlotte. I certainly appreciate your comments on my poem.

Christuraj Alex August 25, 2021 at 5:21 AM Teenagers tell me I am too old to understand, But their minds have become a vast wasteland. - Beautiful Lines. Congratulations on your win! L Milton Hankins August 25, 2021 at 8:58 AM Thanks so much, Christuraj, for your thoughts on my poem.