L Milton Hankins | + Follow Poet |
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I Am Resolved

I will continue to write the things I should,
I will come to the defense of those maligned
I will always stand up for right and good,
For I have an obligation to speak my mind.

I know that I probably should remain silent
In the face of bitter nastiness and bullying,
But it is very hard for me to blithely relent
When my blood pressure is obviously boiling.

I am even aware I degrade myself in replying
That it is always better to take the high road
None of the good, helpful advice I am denying
But bearing awful insults is too heavy a load.

So, I’ll not be bullied into a weak submission
And neither should anyone here so abused
I think it is time we all take a good position,
And let the bullies know we are not amused.

I am determined to make Poetry Soup the best
Community of writers on the broad internet,
And may it be known that we passed the test
Not suffering fools gladly and having no regret.

Written December 12, 2021

Copyright © L Milton Hankins | Year Posted 2021

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Caren Krutsinger Date: 12/16/2021 6:37:00 AM This is for sure "But bearing awful insults is too heavy a load." One of my favorite books is "You Cannot Afford the Luxury of a Negative Thought". Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 12/16/2021 8:44:00 AM I hope my poem strikes a chord in everyone on the Soup. We simply have to stop the bullying and, as a result, make Soup a really safe place for all poets of all persuasions. Thanks, Caren.

Bill Baker Date: 12/12/2021 5:55:00 PM I agree Milt. Here! Here! Your friend, Bill Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 12/12/2021 6:10:00 PM Thanks, Bill. Let's all do what we can do make Poetry Soup the best on the internet. I've check out many of the other poetry sites, and I find PS top of the heap. Just my opinion, of course.

Mark Koplin Date: 12/12/2021 5:28:00 PM We have an old troll with a new name back on the soup. Voodoo child is Keith. I’m sure he will show up here Milton. Keep on with your ink! Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 12/12/2021 6:22:00 PM Mark, I'm almost ashamed to say it, but I block Keith and his aliases from commenting on my poems. He's the only person I have blocked on P.S., but I just simply don't want to read what he has to say. L Milton Hankins Date: 12/12/2021 5:40:00 PM O, FGS, is he back? I'm so glad you alerted me. Thanks!

Jan Allison Date: 12/12/2021 4:53:00 PM its gone on far too long, and rest assured when my muse returns more poop will flow. i see Mark's POTW is now gone - isnt that strange hugs Jan xx Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 12/12/2021 5:41:00 PM I don't know when they change the P.O.T.W., Jan. Very often, I don't check that one. Wishing you the best and hope you are improving rapidly.

Caren Krutsinger Date: 12/12/2021 4:40:00 PM The high road is not the easy road but it is usually the I can sleep well tonight road. Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 12/12/2021 5:42:00 PM So true, and you're a better woman for being able to do that. I, unfortunately, can take only so much, and then I tend to explode...or write a poem!!! LOL

Ilene Bauer Date: 12/12/2021 4:08:00 PM good for you, milton! i'm on your side 100%! it's time for the administration on this site to step in..... Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 12/12/2021 5:43:00 PM Oh, I thought they would long ago when some of us first complained, but they didn't. We'll just have to do our best to make this the best poetry site possible.

Jenna Logan Date: 12/12/2021 11:33:00 AM The advice of, " It's best to ignore them," makes me feel inadequate as a poet to express my thoughts. Like you, Milt, I can overlook a lot of biased opinions, but not when they repeatedly bash my friends and my country. Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 12/12/2021 11:42:00 AM I certainly agree with you, Jenna. And folks need to keep in mind if we didn't have that woman constantly needling, belittling, and name-calling there wouldn't be any need for us to reply, period. I don't think I instigate, but I'm certainly going to rebutt! Poetry Soupers need to call her out until she either straightens up or bails. I'd prefer the former, but I certainly wouldn't cry over the latter!