I Write Because

Actually, I do not know why I write a poem I started at a very early age and continued, When I was very young, I loved to show-em In adolescence I wrote when in a grim mood. Discovering love, poems became rather natural My output of sonnets was somewhat prolific, As time passed, writing became an essential Some of my poems were bad, others terrific. During the middle years, I wrote less poetry Experimenting with short stories and novel I quickly returned to writing them vigorously In retirement, in my little 1950’s brick hovel. I write because I cannot not write, you see, From an early age I learned to express myself Then came the time when many were in print; Best of all, I saw my chapbooks on the shelf. Writing poems is a way to express who I am Capsuled portraits of the way my mind works Someday I’m certain no one will give a damn But, writing poems is one of my finest quirks!
Written August 27, 2022 Submitted to “I Write Because” Poetry Contest Sponsored by Anoucheka Gangabissoon
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

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Mcintosh Avatar
August 30, 2022 at 9:54 AM
Writing is an essential for some people, I believe. Lovely write. God bless you always. Love, Gina
Hankins Avatar
August 30, 2022 at 11:40 AM
Thanks so much, Gina. Blessings to you, too.
Krutsinger Avatar
August 28, 2022 at 10:34 PM
This is also why I write "I write because I cannot not write, you see,"
Hankins Avatar
August 29, 2022 at 8:09 AM
Writing has always been a compulsive behavior for me. I suspect this is true for many prolific poets.
Slaughter Avatar
August 28, 2022 at 1:21 PM
Quirk on, L M! I love "I write because I cannot not write". How relevant, no doubt, to so many of your colleagues here on PS.
Hankins Avatar
August 28, 2022 at 1:58 PM
And that's the truth, Jim!
Miller Avatar
August 28, 2022 at 8:22 AM
A wonderful poem Milton; such talent you have, thank you.
Hankins Avatar
August 28, 2022 at 8:44 AM
Thanks, Terry. That is very nice of you to say.
Tor Avatar
August 27, 2022 at 9:48 PM
Milton you are a wonderful writer. Your ability to write honestly about yourself shows not only being honest, but being gifted to convey and express your thoughts. You make it look easy, but for most, it is a very challenging effort. You have a tendency to downplay your writing skills which are amazing to those that read you. Your ability to write about everything and make it interesting and engaging is a skill that many lack. Keep writing my friend you do it so well...
Hankins Avatar
August 28, 2022 at 8:45 AM
Thanks so much, Michael. You are very nice to say these things about me. I'm not sure they are entirely true, but I'll accept them from your sincere heart. Have a marvelous Sunday.
Edmonds  Avatar
August 27, 2022 at 4:50 PM
Milton, I imagine all poets write because they cannot Not write, once a poet always a poet. This is an excellent write for the contest….. Belle
Hankins Avatar
August 27, 2022 at 7:06 PM
Thank you, Belle. I believe that is true. I hope so!
Dietrich Avatar
August 27, 2022 at 3:07 PM
Great job. I really liked when you said you write because you can't NOT wrote. It's so funny. I thought I read the form as quatern and I was wondering where the repeating line went and then noticed it was quatrain form. I am at hospital far from my city where hubbie ended up after falling in a forklift upside down. Will be doing a lot of stuff by cell phone coming here each day till they release him, hopefully tomorrow. What bad luck my poor husband constantly has
Hankins Avatar
August 27, 2022 at 4:46 PM
Thank you, Andrea. As usual with my poems, that's pretty much the way I see it. I'm so sorry to hear that your husband was hurt in an accident. I'm hoping he'll be able to get home very soon.
Gamedze Avatar
August 27, 2022 at 2:05 PM
I very much relate to this one. What a relevant poem!
Hankins Avatar
August 27, 2022 at 4:46 PM
Thanks so much, Bongiswa. It's pretty much a truthful picture of my writing life.
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