In Honor of Milt - An Un-Contest Poetry Contest

In Honor of Milt - An Un-contest Poetry Contest

I love the way Milton’s poem begins. It draws my attention immediately. Line 10 jolts me with Jacobs and Jacob-ites.I’m still quite interested! Line 3 of verse 2 gains my attention and then flowers bloom. I love the setting of the Applachians and West Virginia.

What I said: A fave for me! So many wonderful things mentioned here! Congratulations on POTD!

Milton’s reply: Thank you, Kim, for reading my poem and expressing your thoughts. I'm so happy you made it a FAVE, for I do think it is a worthy poem to be read many, many times, and I hope everyone who reads it will. It is one of my own personal favorites.

No pretense at humility (too funny). I like that it was one of his personal favorites!! Though Milton was keen to correct, he helped me and others become better poets. 

Yearning for Reunion Ancient, rugged hills worn down by time I miss the lush green hills of my home Leaning away from the peaceful valley, Mountains forged from eons long forgotten During those prehistoric periods before Earliest settlers found the Appalachians, Already old, tired, and wrinkled, awaiting The laughter of young children discovering, Holding the secrets of ancestors denied Their birthright by Jacobs and Jacob-ites Where old waters flow down into new, New River old, maybe older, than the Nile. I miss the lush green hills of my home Leaning away from the peaceful valley Where John Deere still breaks the ground In the springtime after a long, hard winter, And where flowers bloom into October Especially if Mother Nature allows them. And she does, for that is her mountain way, Creating an everlasting yearning for reunion Back home in those West Virginia hills. By L. Milton Hankins POEM OF THE DAY, December 2, 2021 Poetry Soup written November 30, 2021 #49 on the Best New Poems List on Poetry Soup December 8, 2021
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

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Krutsinger Avatar
January 18, 2023 at 2:34 AM
Marvelous Kim, marvelous! I am sure Hank read this from his heaven seat.
Alex Avatar
January 16, 2023 at 10:10 PM
"Creating an everlasting yearning for reunion Back home in those West Virginia hills" - A great tribute to a great poet. Congratulations!
Rodrigues Avatar
January 17, 2023 at 5:06 AM
West Virginia is a beautiful place. So glad Milton captured a piece of his heart.
Goldsmith Avatar
January 16, 2023 at 3:17 PM
Congratulations on your win. A wonderful write. Thanks for adding the extras. Have a blessed day/week..............
Rodrigues Avatar
January 17, 2023 at 5:05 AM
Thank you, Paula!
Dietrich Avatar
January 16, 2023 at 1:43 PM
Back here again to thank you for contributing and I love your reply to my comment below.
Rodrigues Avatar
January 17, 2023 at 5:05 AM
Blessings, dear one ~ Kim
Maverick Avatar
January 10, 2023 at 2:41 PM
An easy on the eye write here from Milton.' More pictorial than some of his writes Kim I can see it as your favorite without conscious Effort.' I am sure he would be smiling at your Tribute here, great lines.'
Rodrigues Avatar
January 17, 2023 at 5:04 AM
Thank you, Joe :)
Wolf Avatar
January 9, 2023 at 6:54 PM
I always felt that Milt was always at his best when his pen settled in West Virginia.
Rodrigues Avatar
January 9, 2023 at 8:05 PM
Where his heart was…
Tor Avatar
January 9, 2023 at 8:21 AM
Lovely honor Kim. Such a heartfelt piece. Milton is smiling...
Rodrigues Avatar
January 9, 2023 at 8:56 AM
Thank you, Mike!
Rose  Avatar
January 7, 2023 at 6:12 PM
This is an outstanding Kim I can see you put your heart in to it. Gl in the contest, :)
Rodrigues Avatar
January 7, 2023 at 9:03 PM
Thank you, Rose!
Buhagiar Avatar
January 7, 2023 at 2:32 AM
A great write and tribute to a famous poet.
Rodrigues Avatar
January 7, 2023 at 4:37 AM
Thank you, Victor!
Dietrich Avatar
January 6, 2023 at 5:03 PM
gosh, I think I read this one before too. It's a really great poem of his to showcase and you can feel his pride for his homeland in it. I love the John Deere reference. Thanks so much for showing this. I love the way you showed his response to your comment to HIM. Great job, Kim. I am just kind of responding to all these tributes as I happen upon them since there will be no congrats for my un contest. BTW, thanks for my storm win. It meant a lot to me.
Rodrigues Avatar
January 6, 2023 at 6:14 PM
Thank you, Andrea, for this contest and for individual replies to the entries. Surely Milton is smiling. Glad you enjoyed your win!!
Poet Avatar
January 6, 2023 at 2:58 PM
Lovely homage you've paid to Milton, Kim; I still struggle to comprehend that he's passed away. I hope that the new year is treating you well so far.
Rodrigues Avatar
January 6, 2023 at 6:15 PM
I feel the same way, Lasaad! Seeing his picture float from forefront… sigh…
Cunningham Avatar
January 6, 2023 at 1:25 PM
Beautiful tribute to Milton, Kim, still can't believe he's gone, Hope your new year is off to a good start. Tom
Rodrigues Avatar
January 6, 2023 at 6:17 PM
Thank you, my dear friend! You too are appreciated!
Andresen Avatar
January 6, 2023 at 12:56 PM
- I'm just saying... thank you, Kim - hugs
Rodrigues Avatar
January 6, 2023 at 6:17 PM
Aww…thank you <3
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