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I Dare Not Hope

It makes me sad that I shall never fall in love again For I have reached the age where I dare not hope To experience that grand part of life; I shall abstain, Since I have aged beyond love’s possibility envelope. I remember the verse, but I’ve forgotten the refrain. HONORABLE MENTION Written March 8, 2022 Submitted to "Bite Size No. 41" Poetry Contest Sponsored by Line Gauthier

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Line Gauthier

Date: 11/10/2022 3:50:00 PM

Never say never, Milton~ love takes various forms. Best lead with an open heart and make the best of what life offers. It's a 2-way street of give and take.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 11/10/2022 7:38:00 PM

Ah, that is true, Line, but I think there comes a time when one has to think the best part of life has been lived and is unlikely to repeat itself. Not impossible, but highly unlikely. Thanks for your gracious comment on my poem.

Christuraj Alex

Date: 4/10/2022 7:14:00 AM

Great punch in the last line. Congratulations!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 4/10/2022 7:58:00 AM

Thank you so much for your comment, Chris.

Paula Goldsmith

Date: 4/9/2022 3:32:00 PM

Congratulations on your win. What a lovely write. Never is a very long time. I find when one says, "never" is when it happens. So watch out. Have a blessed spring day...............

L Milton Hankins
Date: 4/9/2022 5:31:00 PM

Thank you so much, Paula. I always appreciate your thoughtful comments.

Jenna Logan

Date: 4/9/2022 3:00:00 PM

I smiled when I saw this on the winning list. ;)

L Milton Hankins
Date: 4/9/2022 5:31:00 PM

Well, I sort of sneaked in, but I made it! Thanks, Jenna, for your ongoing support of my writing.

Edward Ibeh

Date: 4/9/2022 1:39:00 PM

A beautiful poem tinged with heartbreaking melancholy. Never say never, if it's anything consolation. Congrats on your win, Milt:-) Well-deserved.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 4/9/2022 2:20:00 PM

Thank you so much, Edward. Your comment is so thoughtful and encouraging. I appreciate it very much.

Unseeking Seeker

Date: 4/9/2022 9:51:00 AM

Beautifully penned, particularly the finalé, congrats on your win, Milt

L Milton Hankins
Date: 4/9/2022 12:24:00 PM

Thank you so very much, Unseeking Seeker.

Shirley Hawkins

Date: 3/9/2022 7:20:00 PM

I laughed out loud at this very amusing Quintain, the last line is a gem. Heartfelt thanks for the best laugh I have had for ages. The heart is willing but the flesh is weak. Hope springs eternal etc.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 3/9/2022 7:31:00 PM

Quite the opposite with me, Shirley, the flesh is willing but the heart is weak! LOL. I'm glad I gave you a good laugh today. Everyone should have at least one good laugh every day!

Terry Flood

Date: 3/8/2022 1:13:00 PM

O Milton. Go out and find yourself a cougar. Okay, she might be ninety five, but you wouldn’t have to run too fast to catch her. ;-) Terry

L Milton Hankins
Date: 3/8/2022 2:19:00 PM

LOL. No thanks, Terry. I want a young chick!

Tom Cunningham

Date: 3/8/2022 12:35:00 PM

There's no age limit on love, never say never. Tom

L Milton Hankins
Date: 3/8/2022 2:20:00 PM

Well, not many women want to cast their lot with a man who is 80 and has one foot in the grave! LOL I can't blame them. I'm doing just fine, actually.

Ilene Bauer

Date: 3/8/2022 12:09:00 PM

i agree with jenna, milton! you never know what (or who) may show up in your life but even if no one does, you're fortunate to have experienced the love you have shared up to this point...

L Milton Hankins
Date: 3/8/2022 12:31:00 PM

Aw, that's so sweet of you, Ilene. You all are boosting my fragile ego! LOL

Jenna Logan

Date: 3/8/2022 11:53:00 AM

Oh, I dare to argue that point with you, Milt. As long as your hearts beats that envelope will not be sealed. Hugs.

Jenna Logan
Date: 3/8/2022 3:45:00 PM

There's always a poem waiting to be written.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 3/8/2022 11:59:00 AM

You're a sweetheart, Jenna. Thanks for the encouragement,... but...I have loved and been loved beyond that anyone could ever imagine. At eighty, I hardly think it could be repeated, so I'm just going to bask in the glow of what once was. Hmmm...might be a poem there!