L Milton Hankins Poet Free verse

Just the Two of Us

If I were the only person left in the world
Besides you, of course, I am wondering,
Do you think we would be able to get along?
Or would you insist I adopt your way of thinking?
Could we get together and come to agreement,
Or would you demand everything go your way?

If I were the only person left in the world
Besides you, of course, I am wondering,
Would we be willing to divvy up and divide equally?
Or would you want far more than your share?
Could we learn to live side by side amicably,
Or would I always have to be afraid?

If I were the only person left in the world
Besides you, of course, I am wondering …
Dare I trust we’d be available in each other’s need?
Or must I be on guard, lest you take advantage?
After all, if two people cannot live together in peace
How can we expect millions of people to do so? 

Written April 7, 2022

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Rico Leffanta April 8, 2022 at 11:30 AM Cain and Abel set a precedent from which we may never recover despite your deep thoughts . . . . L Milton Hankins April 8, 2022 at 12:34 PM I appreciate your thoughts, Rico. In my way of thinking, however, the story of Cain and Abel is a very, very old fable, probably told to illustrate what can happen when jealousy and covetousness prevails in the human heart. Who knows?

Tom Cunningham April 8, 2022 at 11:03 AM With your wisdom and my humour I'm sure we'd get on like a house on fire Tom. PS throw in a bottle of wine. L Milton Hankins April 8, 2022 at 11:06 AM Oh, definitely, Tom...but I'm not sure of the wisdom thing. We'd probably get on like peas in a pod.

Caren Krutsinger April 8, 2022 at 4:49 AM This is always something to think about "Would we be willing to divvy up and divide equally? Or would you want far more than your share?" Children - especially gifted children are acutely aware of being fair. L Milton Hankins April 8, 2022 at 8:58 AM Yes, they are, Caren. Indeed! Kids seem to come by this instinctively, but somewhere along the way we adults forget it.

Gershon Wolf April 7, 2022 at 8:32 PM After all, the whole world is pixilated except for you and me. And I'm not sure about you. ~ from 'Arsenic and Old Lace,' the old B&W movie. Smiles, Gershon L Milton Hankins April 7, 2022 at 9:32 PM Well, of course, that always works in the opposite, too, gw. I'd like to believe that you and I would work things out in a friendly manner, that we would not resort to fisticuffs or weapons, and that we would go on a great search for spouses so we could re-populate the earth. Ha! How's that?

Paulette Calasibetta April 7, 2022 at 5:05 PM Poignant write~you make a good point; if we can't trust one another, how can we expect our world to be at peace? I do believe it is the conundrum of humankind. :)Paulette L Milton Hankins April 7, 2022 at 6:52 PM Thank you, Paulette. I really enjoyed reading your insightful comment. It may well be the "conundrum of humankind."

Anselmo Boles April 7, 2022 at 4:44 PM Milt, if there's equilibrium, equanimity and decorum, then I'd say there's a possibility of people getting along making this scenario the norm. Your questions are legitimate and must be met with honest, reputable answers from our world leaders!...ab L Milton Hankins April 7, 2022 at 6:53 PM I think so, Anselmo. But, first, I think they must be answered by every one of us...every human being, placing themselves in this scenario and asking the questions. Of course, we do not live in a utopia, but we, as an international group, can ask the right questions and give them some thought and effort.

Marco Chies April 7, 2022 at 3:23 PM Great reflection on this poem, Milton. L Milton Hankins April 7, 2022 at 6:54 PM Thank you so much, Marco, for your read and your encouragement.