Lewis Milton Hankins

Three thousand three hundred and thirty-five poetic blooms, Lewis Milton Hankins has in his bouquet, like bright plumes; Each is rich in theme, form, rhyme, rhythm, and figures of speech, In sound, style, symbol, and syntax each one is beyond reach...! He shines as a writer, poet, columnist, and teacher, Theologian, public speaker, and well-known preacher; ‘Sensible Theology for Thinking People’ – wrote also, ‘Appalachian short stories and Ashes on the Snow’...! Newcomers or established poets he welcomed each one's view, As I joined the Soup I got his precious suggestions too; Like a brother, friend, and true artist he respected all, In concepts and philosophy, whether they're great or small...! Like mud clings to a potter, and wood to a carpenter, Or kids clinging to their mother who's loving and tender; Sonnet, couplet, triolet, verse, haiku, pantoum, rhyme form, Each seemed to bend before him in absolute minute norm...! "I need a vacation", he says, and sways, "Bye - Bye Don't cry!" Was the vision of his flight shown to him from the skies high? As I believe about each death, has Milton gone as well, To make his research on the great truths of heaven and hell...??? 02 January 2023 In Honor of Milt - An Un-contest Poetry Contest Sponsored by: Andrea Dietrich