L Milton Hankins Poet Lyric

I Wandered Lonely As a Swan

"I wandered lonely as a cloud."
                                  --William Wordsworth

I wandered lonely as a swan
Swimming on the glassy water
Believing all was lost and gone
On this lake a solemn squatter,
Fearful of the dreaded winter
As autumn waned soft and tender.

Adrift upon waters tranquil
Outer beauty concealed inside
The inner truth hidden low and still
My life I determined float and glide,
While preening for the love I lost
So aware of life’s bitter cost.

May no one see my struggling feet
Paddling against the current strong
Where hope and peace often I meet
Sunshine and shadow all day long,
Shall I appear to be in need
Or independence ever cede?

Life, for sure, gives me firm resolve
To face it with gentility
No problem comes I cannot solve
While facing life’s finality,
And spending my life ever calm
On these placid waters my balm.

FIRST PLACE TROPHY WINNER
Written September 19, 2022
Submitted to: "I Wondered Lonely As a..." Challenge Poetry Contest
Sponsored by: Natasha L. Scragg

Slight editing October 13, 2022
Submitted to: "2022 Marathon Lap 17" Poetry Contest
Sponsored by: Mark Toney

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Michael Tor September 30, 2022 at 3:35 PM Milton back to congratulate you on your First Place win. Well deserved 1st prize. L Milton Hankins October 1, 2022 at 8:35 AM Thanks so much, Michael. They don't come very often with a trophy, so I was delighted. I didn't expect that kind of reception for this poem.

Susan Woodrow September 25, 2022 at 9:47 PM Beautiful win! I actually thought about a white swan that hangs out all alone with the ducks and geese on one of the lakes I paddle in...it's been there several years now...next time I see it, i will think of your poem! :) L Milton Hankins September 26, 2022 at 7:38 AM Aw, thanks, Susan. They are so beautiful.

Ann Peck September 24, 2022 at 3:15 PM Your poem is poignant and so lovely. Many congratulations on First place! L Milton Hankins September 24, 2022 at 3:18 PM Thanks so much, Ann. It was a marvelous surprise.

Jeff Kyser September 24, 2022 at 11:55 AM Well, i swan! Very well done, sir! Congrats on a win and a fine piece of work L Milton Hankins September 24, 2022 at 12:53 PM Thank you so much, Jeff. I haven't heard that expression for years. It's ol' mountain talk!

Andrea Dietrich September 24, 2022 at 11:21 AM Wow, a real beauty, Milt. Congrats to you. L Milton Hankins September 24, 2022 at 12:53 PM Thank you, Andrea. I'm so pleased it did well.

Terry Miller September 24, 2022 at 5:44 AM Inspiring and beautiful Milton, a huge congratulations. L Milton Hankins September 24, 2022 at 8:19 AM Thank you so much, Terry, for your effusive comment.

Mike Gentile September 24, 2022 at 4:35 AM Milt, a big congratulations !!! Such beautiful lines of uplifting words deserve a first place win!! L Milton Hankins September 24, 2022 at 8:20 AM Thanks, Mike. It's always good to hear from you. Thanks for the warm comment.

Beata Agustin September 24, 2022 at 3:45 AM Wow! Congrats! Thanks for sharing this inspiring muse of yours... I'm so delighted most with the last stanza. God bless you. L Milton Hankins September 24, 2022 at 8:20 AM Blessings to you, Beata. Thanks for your compliment.

Natasha L Scragg September 24, 2022 at 3:32 AM A very beautiful entry Milt. Love the choice of the swan as your subject. Such graceful creatures. Really appreciate the meaningful messages that your poem contains. Thank you for entering this contest and huge congrats on your win :-D L Milton Hankins September 24, 2022 at 8:21 AM Thank you so much, Natasha. I thoroughly enjoyed writing for your contest and am so grateful for the win.

Gershon Wolf September 19, 2022 at 7:31 PM This is BYootiful!! I think it's a blue-ribbon special for the contest myself. Elegant ink, Milt! A FAVE for me. Bravo, Gershon L Milton Hankins September 19, 2022 at 7:44 PM Thank you so much, gw. It is so meaningful to me that you liked the poem and FAVED it. Wow!

Beryl Edmonds September 19, 2022 at 4:07 PM “I wandered lonely as a swan” is simply lovely poetry Milton, a good contender for Natasha’s contest… Belle L Milton Hankins September 19, 2022 at 4:09 PM Belle, your comment is so meaningful to me. Thank you so much.

Michael Tor September 19, 2022 at 11:17 AM Your story line is heartfelt for the swan Milton. A lost love brings in emotions felt within oneself. Nicely written. Thanks for sharing. Glad your back... L Milton Hankins September 19, 2022 at 11:36 AM Thanks so much, Michael. It is good to be back. I missed everyone.