L Milton Hankins Poet Pantoum

I Do Like Poems

I do like poems I can understand
Written with plain everyday words
Thought out, not merely offhand,
Observing basic poetry standards.

Written with plain everyday words
I want to feel the rhythmic flow
Observing basic poetry standards
A poem that has somewhere to go.

I want to feel the rhythmic flow
As lilting language tripping along
A poem that has somewhere to go
Singing like the lyrics of a song.

As lilting language tripping along
I am partial to sight and sound
Singing like the lyrics of a song,
Fresh, original, breaks new ground.

I am partial to sight and sound
Teach me something I don’t know
Fresh, original, breaks new ground,
Plant some seeds likely to grow.

Teach me something I don’t know
Thought out, not merely offhand,
Plant some seeds likely to grow,
I do like poems I can understand. 

Written May 16, 2022

♡Like0

Share Poem

---

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Caren Krutsinger May 17, 2022 at 2:17 PM I like these understandable poems also; I do not do well with the ones that are too flowery to understand. I am glad that you wrote this one - It gives me an idea of what a 5 verse pantoum is supposed to look like. L Milton Hankins May 17, 2022 at 2:48 PM Great, Caren. I'm glad it is helpful. For a 5 verse, just write 5 verses, but be sure the last verse follows the rule. It's pretty easy. Soup Mail.

Gary Radice May 17, 2022 at 10:37 AM I felt a warm glow inside Milt when I read your reply to Sam's comment below. Good on you sir! Just wonderful. As is the pantoum. The repeating of lines for me in this form isn't there just for the sake of repeating lines - it adds depth and heart to the overall work. Cheers - Gary L Milton Hankins May 17, 2022 at 12:54 PM Thank you so much, Gary. To receive this kind of comment from you really blesses my heart. I consider you a master poet!

Bill Baker May 16, 2022 at 4:43 PM I can understand your poem on understanding, Milt, well done! Bill L Milton Hankins May 16, 2022 at 7:01 PM Good, Bill. It lays these things out in simple detail, the kind of poem I enjoy reading, too. Thanks.

Paulette Calasibetta May 16, 2022 at 1:08 PM Cheers Milton~well said. I agree wholeheartedly~there are poems whose wordage drifts into obscure language and lack the creative usage of form, flow and euphony. :)Paulette L Milton Hankins May 16, 2022 at 1:35 PM I'm certainly in agreement with you, Paulette. Many poets try to impress with their big words. For me, it simply does not work. If I have to look up a word, I would certainly never use it in a poem!

Tom Cunningham May 16, 2022 at 10:25 AM I'm in full agreement there Milton, when a poem is peppered with big fancy words and what may have started out as a joy to read, becomes a chore. Tom L Milton Hankins May 16, 2022 at 10:27 AM Yep, I agree. Thanks. I don't like to have to stop reading to look up a word that is rarely, if ever, used in regular conversation. If someone tries too hard to impress me, they usually don't.

Sam Kauffman May 16, 2022 at 10:04 AM Milt, your love of poetry shows not only in your own poetry but in the appreciation and feedback you offer to your fellow companions on the journey as well as in your creative contests. Gifts and blessings! Enjoyed this offering very much. L Milton Hankins May 16, 2022 at 10:07 AM Ah, thanks so much, Sam. Well, I've been writing since I was a kid. Back then, in the early days, it was a way to release tension and frustration. We were poor and entertainment was scarce, so I made my own! And, I've been doing so ever since, it seems.