Home » Poems » L Milton Hankins » In the Forgotten Places

In the Forgotten Places

Another hungry, homeless child will die Parents have no job, no food, no insurance Undernourished pregnant woman cry, The Feds give only lip-service assurance. Most people think it can’t happen here That welfare supports these pitiful cases, But, folks, I tell you many live daily in fear Here in America … in the forgotten places. In the backwoods no hospitals even exist Medical help is a long-drive-by-car away, If they don’t show up, they’re off the list Forgotten until a tragedy comes their way. We think everyone has it as easy as we do Taking little notice of those in abject poverty Seldom worrying about making it through, Neglecting to think about life’s other reality. Written August 12, 2022 POEM OF THE DAY Poetry Soup August 13, 2022 #52 on Best New Poems List Poetry Soup October 1, 2022

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S.Zaynab Kamoonpuri

Date: 9/11/2022 11:46:00 AM

Aha what a caring compassionate poem about those suffering silently in forgotten far flung places of a country with many wealthy. You shone a light on their plight in a fab eloquent way yay! Kudos and congrats on your well deserved POTD HONOR!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/11/2022 1:19:00 PM

Thank you so much, S.Zaynab. That was some time ago, I think.

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 8/16/2022 11:26:00 AM

Yes, there are other realities. You bring to the forefront this case. I listened to a missionary, today, from S.Africa. His brother died from starvation/malnutrition. His parents weren’t looking to have another one but God had a plan. His name means “gift of God,” and indeed his father’s legacy goes on. One prayer was for food. God bless. Congratulations on POTD, Milton!

Kim Rodrigues
Date: 8/17/2022 10:15:00 AM

How wonderful, Milton! You should write about him! I love that. I’ve never gone on a mission trip. I do pray for the missionaries. Be blessed!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/16/2022 12:48:00 PM

Thank you so much, Kim. I had a baby boy named for me when I was a missionary in Tanzania for a short time teaching New Testament. I have often wondered if he survived and if he's still alive. If so, there's a Milton in Bukoba. I hope he writes poetry!

Deb M

Date: 8/16/2022 9:11:00 AM

Congratulations Milton on your POTD…..Debx

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/16/2022 10:28:00 AM

Thank you so much, Deb M. I appreciate it.

Mike Gentile

Date: 8/16/2022 7:25:00 AM

Congratulations Milt on your POTD honors for this important piece! Your words are so true and I am also guilty of forgetting. You have written this so well!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/16/2022 8:21:00 AM

Thanks so much, Mike. You are forgiven! Think nothing of it.

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 8/15/2022 4:06:00 AM

Big Congratulations on POTD Milton. Blessings xxoo

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/15/2022 8:24:00 AM

Thank you so much, Connie. It is always good to hear from you.

Valsa George

Date: 8/14/2022 4:31:00 AM

Even in the most affluent countries, poverty is a stark reality, especially in some far off pockets of the country ! Those who live in affluence never care to think of the hardships the poor suffer. The authorities too turn a blind eye towards their suffering. Your empathetic mind has drawn attention to the pathetic life of the poor. Congratulations, Milton on your well deserved POTD resonant with compassionate thoughts

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/14/2022 8:19:00 AM

Thank you so much, Valsa. I really appreciate your thoughtful and affirmative comment on my poem.

Silent One

Date: 8/13/2022 11:59:00 PM

Sadly this is happening all over the world, especially in the UK... Your poem is a hard hitting truth, people are dying and the governments are doing very little...such an unfair world we live in...congratulations on POTD

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/14/2022 8:19:00 AM

Thank you, Silent One, for your informative comment on my poem.

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 8/13/2022 11:06:00 PM

You’re empathy shines like a bright light on this lovely poem Milt. I feel for those who really need help but not for those panhandlers who would rather hang out doing nothing than get a job. I’m talking about those perfectly able to work. They often ruin it for others who really need the help. Congratulations on your worthy POTD! Blessings xxoo

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/14/2022 8:22:00 AM

Thank you so much, Connie. I saw a woman panhandling at a stoplight just yesterday. Interestingly, she was wearing a diamond ring, and she was talking on a cellphone. She also apparently had enough money to dye her hair! I have no sympathy for these leeches.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/14/2022 8:20:00 AM

Thank you, Connie. There is a lot of truth in your thoughtful comment on my poem.

Gershon Wolf

Date: 8/13/2022 7:44:00 PM

Well, Thinking about it, as I read the newspaper you-know-where, hasn't helped those poor folks to date... Congrats on POTD, Milt!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/13/2022 7:52:00 PM

Thanks, gw, for your thoughts and your congrats!

Janice Canerdy

Date: 8/13/2022 6:39:00 PM

Your skillfully written, moving poem is SO expressive of truth--very deserving of the title POTD, Milton. Janice

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/13/2022 7:06:00 PM

Thank you so much, Janice. You made me feel so confident with your comment, and I really appreciate it.

Brandy Nicole

Date: 8/13/2022 3:46:00 PM

In truth, it's happening everywhere, these moments you speak of. So sad indeed. Your thoughts caress gently around me and my heart. (I'm always praying for those in need). Congratulations Milton, on Poem of the Day. Many wonderful blessings to you. Hugs, Brandy

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/13/2022 4:04:00 PM

Thank you so much, Brandy. I was really pleased by your comment. Good to hear from you.

Sam Kauffman

Date: 8/13/2022 3:03:00 PM

Milt, congratulations on your POTD that shows the depth of your compassionate heart. When I see this kind of poverty I can't help but think of Scrooge when he says: "Are there no poor houses?" It is a quote that sears into me every Christmas and remains there all year long. Blessings and gratitude to you for sharing this poem.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/13/2022 3:25:00 PM

Thank you, Sam. I appreciate your thoughtfulness.

Robert Gorelick

Date: 8/13/2022 1:45:00 PM

Congratulations on POTD Milt! There have always been people possessed of great empathy and others with ice water running through their veins. Unfortunately, "That's the way it is"--Walter Conkrite. Robert

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/13/2022 3:25:00 PM

Thank you so much, Robert. So true!

Paulette Calasibetta

Date: 8/13/2022 1:28:00 PM

Congratulations on your POTD! Exposing the truth, many forget! :)Paulette

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/13/2022 3:25:00 PM

Thank you, Paulette. I'm afraid we do all too often.

I Am Anaya

Date: 8/13/2022 11:20:00 AM

With eloquence you bring to light society's sad truths. Congratulations on POTD Milton!!!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/13/2022 3:26:00 PM

Thanks for your congratulations, Anaya. I hadn't expected this, so it was a nice surprise.

Emilia James

Date: 8/13/2022 10:14:00 AM

Congratulations on your P.O.T.D Milton.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/13/2022 3:26:00 PM

Thanks so much, Emilia. Thanks for your visit and your congratulations.

Jim Slaughter

Date: 8/13/2022 9:41:00 AM

And to think this was going on long before the current sad state of the country and world affairs. And you're right, these places do tend to be "forgotten" and lost in the shuffle. A great choice for POTD, L M.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/13/2022 10:11:00 AM

Thank you so much, Jim, for your thoughtful comment.

Malabika Ray Choudhury

Date: 8/13/2022 9:24:00 AM

Congratulations, Milton, on your honour of POTD. "In The Forgotten Places" - that's a very harsh reality. US is supposed to be the richest country in the world - but health service, social security - many major areas are not really taken care of, as we imagine them to be, or as they should be in an ideal world. Thank you for bringing this issue to light with your excellent poem. Poetry is not only about beauty, poetry needs to portray uglier sides of life as well. BW ~ Mala

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/13/2022 10:11:00 AM

Mala, I really thank you for your thoughtful and meaningful comment to my poem.

Heidi Sands

Date: 8/13/2022 8:37:00 AM

Congratulations for POTD :)

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/13/2022 9:12:00 AM

Thank you, Heidi.

Anitha Jayasankar

Date: 8/13/2022 8:04:00 AM

Milton, congratulations on your potd honor with this thought provoking inspiring write... "Neglecting to think about life's other reality"... so sad ... God bless... ~ Ani

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/13/2022 9:12:00 AM

I appreciate your comment, Anitha. Thanks!

Linda Alice Fowler

Date: 8/13/2022 6:50:00 AM

"...other reality." - love it Milt. Congratulations on your POTD! Linda

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/13/2022 9:13:00 AM

Thank you, Linda. I appreciate you.

Texas Cowboy

Date: 8/13/2022 6:40:00 AM

Congratulations on your POTD, Milt! A FAV for my list. Well written and a desperaetly needed message. Thanks for a caring heart and this meaningful poetry, my friend. Enjoy your special day! Bill

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/13/2022 6:43:00 AM

Thank you so very much, Bill. I really appreciate it. You have a wonderful day, too.

Warren Doll

Date: 8/13/2022 6:19:00 AM

Milton, how true. There are so many people living in tent cities and hungry with no healthcare in America. Thanks for bringing this fact forward in your poem. Also, Congratulations on POTD. So well deserved~ Warren

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/13/2022 6:44:00 AM

Thanks, Warren. Good to hear from you.

Tania Kitchin

Date: 8/13/2022 5:03:00 AM

Milt, a powerful poem, sad but true scenarios, congratulations on POTD!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/13/2022 5:43:00 AM

Thank you so much, Tania. I appreciate your comment.

Christuraj Alex

Date: 8/13/2022 5:01:00 AM

A concern-filled exposition of reality. Persons like me, belonging to developing countries think of America as our ideal. But, as you say, grim realities are in every country. This is not owing lack of wealth, rather due to lack of equal distribution. Love your writing always. This - all the more - as it's a very beautiful picture of reality.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/13/2022 5:44:00 AM

Thanks so much, Chris, I appreciate it.