L Milton Hankins

The streets of Soup Creek are now somber and dark.
We have lost a fellow poet, but never his spark.
Lewis Milton Hankins, spent 81 heartfelt years on this earth.
I will mourn with those who mourn and rejoice for his birth.

He was a first-class poet and a first-class friend.
People like Milton, are a definite godsend.
He said what he meant and meant what he said.
His lips spoke the truth and they never misled.

He was gifted with the arts, it thrived in his blood.
He will forever be in Jenna’s, at a table dealing stud.
In Soup Creek we are immortal, our spirit will never die.
A Poet’s words are magic and always free to fly.

For each word spoke and every poem read.
The poet will live on because their words are never dead.
I’ll sign off for now and bid this Poet my final farewell.
As for the gambler in Soup Creek, there will be no death knell.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

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Goldsmith Avatar
February 2, 2023 at 2:26 PM
A wonderful write/tribute. He is missed. I enjoyed this one. Have a wonderful day..............
Koplin Avatar
February 12, 2023 at 5:20 PM
Yes he is and thank you very much !!
Maverick Avatar
December 31, 2022 at 1:13 AM
As good as a man can be i guess? I was Getting exchanges with him...He was gracious Enough.' What more can I put? I know there Are others who will obviously; miss him more.' Still he left his mark, that is for sure.' He seemed in the mould of Keith Bickerstaff.? Another loss, yet a great inspiration.'
Maverick Avatar
January 2, 2023 at 3:38 AM
God bless you Mark.' I am only Interested in the Truth, and I Sensed that in Milton..And You.' I must acknowledge Jesus died for us both.' For there is no condemnation for Those who have accepted Him Therefore I cannot condemn Any who profess.' Otherwise I Am saying ( racha or other stuff and Jesus teaches against this)
Koplin Avatar
December 31, 2022 at 9:54 AM
Thanks Joe, it’s nice to hear compliments for him.
Legros Kelley Avatar
December 29, 2022 at 12:21 PM
Beautiful Mark. You are another great you know, and very much loved here on the soup. I have only been here a little over two years, so I'm still new 'in town'. I'm the lady on the outskirts of town with the great big family who can only get into town every once in a while, :) I have so much respect for so many of you, Milton of course, was always out on his porch at the top of the knoll, a very respected and refined wise sage. His words will live on. Your tribute is beautiful.
Koplin Avatar
December 29, 2022 at 2:53 PM
I’m not a great one by any means but thank you for thinking so. I appreciate your generous comment! Thank you!!
Lane Avatar
December 29, 2022 at 4:43 AM
Dear Mark, every line of your elegy to honor Milt is true in its description of a man who was respected by many of us. He pulled no punches with his thoughts, always wrote from his heart, and defied those who tried to take away our rights to have an opinion. He was a great friend to those who knew him.
Koplin Avatar
December 29, 2022 at 6:41 AM
Yes he was, I have a lot of respect for Milt. It’s good to hear from you Lin!!
Cunningham Avatar
December 29, 2022 at 2:56 AM
Beautiful tribute to Milton, still cant believe he's gone from us Mark. Tom
Koplin Avatar
December 29, 2022 at 6:40 AM
It’s a great loss to this site and every poet here.
M  Avatar
December 29, 2022 at 1:29 AM
I know you and Milton were close Mark and I am so sorry for your sadness….it feels surreal as he was such a big presence on P.S. Sending you a big cuddle Mark….Debx
Koplin Avatar
December 29, 2022 at 6:39 AM
Thanks Deb, Jenna communicated with him daily and they were super close. Admin won’t even let her come back and pay her respects. It’s a shame how they are treating her.
George Avatar
December 28, 2022 at 9:24 PM
Wonderful tribute to a great souper who remains unrivalled. He will definitely live through his great poems.
Koplin Avatar
December 29, 2022 at 6:36 AM
Absolutely, he was a special soul.
Horsman Avatar
December 28, 2022 at 7:09 PM
AMEN Mark, Missing him already. They'll never be another, like him.
Koplin Avatar
December 29, 2022 at 6:35 AM
You are correct good sir! He is definitely missed. I hope you feel better soon Harry.
Kitchin Avatar
December 28, 2022 at 6:44 PM
Mark, a wonderful tribute to Milton. He will live forever in his poems and our hearts.
Koplin Avatar
December 29, 2022 at 6:34 AM
Indeed he will! Thanks Tania!!
Tor Avatar
December 28, 2022 at 5:42 PM
Mark this is a wonderful Heartfelt tribute. I know your heart was in this tribute Mark because it really touched me. May he find joy with his beloved wife Deborah...
Koplin Avatar
December 29, 2022 at 6:33 AM
Thanks Michael, his pain is now gone.
Rose  Avatar
December 28, 2022 at 5:37 PM
Ah, I just heard of his passing through another poet friend, it really saddens me to hear he died, He was such a talented poet and gentleman, he will be dearly missed. Thankyou for this wonderful tribute to him, God bless,
Koplin Avatar
December 29, 2022 at 6:32 AM
Like Tom said, a light here has definitely gone out.
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