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I, the Liberal

Mind if I tell you, honestly, I’m not Proud of obstructionists who forget peoples’ needs Who speak derisively of folks like me … Call us liberals because we see vast acres of land Lying fallow while millions go hungry for a place, While the wealth of the nation is pocketed by a few Or, spent lavishly on worthless trips into space We who believe the past is history … cannot be changed But can be atoned for, and, can be correctly taught; We who believe basic healthcare is a human right, That no child in America should ever go hungry That no woman should be forced to bear a child Nobody wants! and who will be another burden, For I have observed hundreds of children in foster care Often destined for the ghetto life and abject poverty While politicians argue themselves into insolvency. written October 31, 2021

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Jeannie Cronin

Date: 11/29/2021 1:07:00 PM

AMEN! Nicely done

L Milton Hankins
Date: 11/29/2021 1:16:00 PM

Thank you for your read and for your affirmative response, Jeannie. I appreciate your reading my poems and responding to them.

Ilene Bauer

Date: 11/1/2021 12:49:00 PM

you're very brave to post this on this site but i salute you for it, milton! i'm 100% on your side...

L Milton Hankins
Date: 11/1/2021 1:17:00 PM

Aw, seriously? Ilene, I'm a firm believer that we should be able to speak our minds here, if no other place. Thanks so much for your kind, supportive thoughts.

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 11/1/2021 10:35:00 AM

I knew I was a liberal, but this reinforces me! So thanks for the validation.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 11/1/2021 10:41:00 AM

Caren, I get so upset when some folks use the term "liberal" derisively. I am so proud to be a liberal. I am a fiscal conservative, but I cringe when politicians line their pockets at the expense of the poor and needy and when they have opportunity to do something beneficial they become obstructionist.

Judy Ball

Date: 11/1/2021 1:31:00 AM

Excellent Milton. Well said except for the woman bearing a child she doesn't want. If she doesn't want that child take birth control or give it to someone else who does want it. Don't kill it. It's a life you are taking. Ask any woman who has lost a baby through no fault of her own. God Bless, JB

L Milton Hankins
Date: 11/1/2021 6:59:00 AM

Thank you so much, JB, for your thought-provoking response to my poem. It is one of several I am writing on controversial issues that flood my mind these days.