L Milton Hankins Poet Villanelle

I Heard a Jackass Bray

Please consider the tone of your voice, I say
For I am not in the mood for ill-considered sarcasm,
For it’s been a while since I heard a jackass bray.

Words can slice through the heart, emotions flay
Send one’s warm feelings into a deep, dark chasm,
Please consider the tone of your voice, I say.

I suppose I might be more tolerant another day,
But in my present state of mind, I have no enthusiasm
For it’s been a while since I heard a jackass bray.

You say you merely tease, it’s just your way to play,
But the nastiness of your words provokes a spasm
Please consider the tone of your voice, I say.

No one likes their sunny day turned a gloomy gray
Or feel their self-worth is reduced to protoplasm,
For it’s been a while since I heard a jackass bray.

Would you like if I set about your nerves to fray?
And, then told you it was in your mind a phantasm
Please consider the tone of your voice, I say,
For it’s been a while since I heard a jackass bray!

written March 2, 2022

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Caren Krutsinger March 3, 2022 at 8:54 AM "Please consider the tone of your voice, I say." This makes ALL the difference! L Milton Hankins March 3, 2022 at 9:25 AM Yes, it does, Caren. This worked so well as a villanelle.

Jenna Logan March 3, 2022 at 5:01 AM As seldom as I’ve been on site lately, I still hear the braying of a few jackasses, Milt. Nasty animals so expertly portrayed in your write. L Milton Hankins March 3, 2022 at 9:26 AM Thank you, Jenna. I didn't have anyone in particular in mind, but we do have a few braying jackasses, indeed.

Indiana Shaw March 3, 2022 at 3:07 AM I love your ability to take on the different forms of poetry, Milton, as a lover of Pantoums I can see the similarity of a Villanelle to such, so l am off to give one bash . . . : ) L Milton Hankins March 3, 2022 at 9:27 AM Yes, please do so. I love the forms that involve word play and also some creative ability. I'm a fan of the Pantoum, as well, although I don't write them as often as I do Villanelles and Triolets.

Eve Roper March 2, 2022 at 4:34 PM Yes, words can hurt. Excuses are used to say they are just teasing. I've known a few... But honesty sometimes puts them in their place. L Milton Hankins March 2, 2022 at 7:18 PM Thanks, Eve, for your thoughtful comment on my poem. I was just writing what came to me. I didn't have any particular person in mind...but, we do, indeed hear a lot of braying from time to time.

Ilene Bauer March 2, 2022 at 11:59 AM unfortunately, there are many jackasses out there, milton! i enjoyed your taking at least one of them on... L Milton Hankins March 2, 2022 at 12:46 PM Believe me, Ilene, I didn't have anyone in particular in mind. I just came up with the first line and the rest fell into place.

Kim Rodrigues March 2, 2022 at 11:57 AM Funny and serious at the same time. L Milton Hankins March 2, 2022 at 12:47 PM Thanks, Kim. I'd say so.