L Milton Hankins Poet Quatrain

In Dublin Gaol

‘Tis lucky me father lies in the grave,
Than t’see the havoc I have wreaked
In the name of actin’ bold and brave,
My misadventures dastardly peaked.

In this musky gaol I am wasting away
While me life passes before me eyes
Chaplains teaching me how to pray,
Give up with their lugubrious sighs.

Long since I no longer wish for home
Before the blazin’ fires of the hearth,
Cedar sizzles and marshmallows foam
My children giggle at songs of mirth.

And me here so cold behind these walls
I no longer dream of freedom’s will,
While me sentence spurts and stalls
I swallow punishment’s bitter swill. 

SEVENTH PLACE WINNER
Written October 17, 2022
Submitted to "2022 Poetry Marathon Mile 18" Poetry Contest
Sponsored by Mark Toney

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Susan Ashley November 11, 2022 at 8:37 AM Dear Milt, this is such a soulful piece. The woeful emotions and the atmospheric imagery is palpable, powerful and poignant. Brilliant writing with an authentic air of the Irish. Congratulations for your excellent win in Mark's contest. warmest wishes.. ~Susan Susan Ashley November 11, 2022 at 11:24 AM The mysterious gift of inspiration is a beautiful one, isn’t it, my friend..? L Milton Hankins November 11, 2022 at 9:17 AM Thanks so much, Susan. I have no idea where the idea came from, but I knew it had to be written in dialect. It turned out pretty good, I think. Thank you again, for your kind thoughts.

Tom Cunningham November 5, 2022 at 2:21 AM Love this one Milton, my parents were Irish and I have cousins in Dublin. The jail that came to mind was Kilmainham in Dublin. Congrats on your win. Tom Tom Cunningham November 5, 2022 at 9:31 AM You certainly did Milton. L Milton Hankins November 5, 2022 at 8:06 AM I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Tom. I thoroughly enjoyed writing this little poem, trying to get the brogue just right. I hope I succeeded.

Gary Radice November 3, 2022 at 1:08 PM Hi Milt. I must have missed this poem first time around. Even if this poem had been left untitled, I would have guessed the subject of your poem was Irish just from your first line. John, below, has said it all. Loved it Milt. Cheers - Gary L Milton Hankins November 3, 2022 at 1:41 PM Thank you so much, Gary. A compliment from you is a compliment I will always treasure.

John Watt November 2, 2022 at 10:58 PM Wonderful writing, Milt. The melancholy is tangible with the regrets, shame, despair, and longing for the comforts of home. The Irish dialect adds a measure of authenticity. Congratulations for your marathon win ~ John L Milton Hankins November 3, 2022 at 8:25 AM Thank you, John. I enjoyed the write and was happy that it did well in the marathon.

Mark Toney November 2, 2022 at 2:16 PM 'Don't do the crime if you can't do the time!' Milton, your word choice is brilliant. The dialect you chose is spot on adding authenticity and substance to the poor bloke "in this musty gaol." A Fav poem for me. Congratulations on your win on Mile 18 of my 2022 Poetry Marathon Contest. Keep your running shoes on because Mile 19 has already started. L Milton Hankins November 2, 2022 at 8:39 PM Thank you so very much, Mark. Yes, I'm still in the running. Will be there until the final flag!

Caren Krutsinger October 21, 2022 at 2:12 AM I love this new word Hank! "lugubrious" - this is SUCH a great word! Thank you! Lovely poem! L Milton Hankins October 21, 2022 at 8:46 AM Glad you enjoyed the poem, Caren. You can use it anytime with my blessing!

Unseeking Seeker October 17, 2022 at 6:51 PM Superb write, Milt. It also raises the question of how a wayward soul should be steered back into the mainstream, with consciousness corrected, reformed, rather than being imprisoned, destroying his will, his zest for life. That’s not to say justice should not be done but an eye for an eye policy perhaps shows a backward society L Milton Hankins October 17, 2022 at 8:57 PM Thank you, Unseeking Seeker, for your thoughtful and thought-provoking comment on my poem.

Michael Tor October 17, 2022 at 3:47 PM Your Dublin Gaol you have mastered Milton. Love your use of words and the theme is unique and sharing... L Milton Hankins October 17, 2022 at 8:58 PM Thanks so much, Michael. It was a most enjoyable write.

Becky Forbes October 17, 2022 at 2:31 PM Captivating! L Milton Hankins October 17, 2022 at 5:51 PM Thanks, Becky.