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Like a Family Flu

Some day when I am living far, far away I am looking down on this planet so grim, Thinking how so few of us are here today In my fantasy world all frivolity and whim, Wondering what happened to all my kin My! I should have kept better track of them. Even those of my kith who were thin skin Took offense at every minor family slight, And secreted themselves away, t’was a sin. I think of some who constantly stirred a fight And, t’was said it’s common, like a family flu, But thereby, settled over us all a nasty blight. When mom and dad and their folks withdrew, It was clear they were the cement, the glue.

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Caren Krutsinger

Date: 2/23/2022 10:13:00 AM

This is becoming clear in my family also "When mom and dad and their folks withdrew, It was clear they were the cement, the glue."

L Milton Hankins
Date: 2/23/2022 10:55:00 AM

I am pretty sure this is the last generation that had close family ties.

Lindsay Laurie

Date: 2/17/2022 4:51:00 PM

Hello Milton ... enjoyed your verse Milton because I have witnessed this close by (but not us) and yes, how true. After Mum and Dad passed on, the family became fragmented completely - thank you Milton - Lindsay

M. L. Kiser

Date: 2/15/2022 2:00:00 PM

It happens, one day you look around and half of your family and friends are gone; especially in our current times. Seems to happen in stages normally, but these times are anything but normal. Well penned.

Mike Gentile

Date: 2/13/2022 5:36:00 AM

Funny how that happens! In my family, it was my grandmother. After she passed, so many drifted! Your poem beautifully portrays this scenario!!

James Horn

Date: 2/13/2022 5:35:00 AM

Are quite a few Hankins people here in Brunswick County, NC. One is a judge. Horn Olympics Haiku Olympics theme song; When I would have a hammer, This was what we need. James Thesarious Hilarious James Horn Hope this will humor you and USA ends up with a clean sweep.

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 2/12/2022 3:46:00 PM

That is so true. My siblings and I are the last alive except for distant cousins. No aunts or uncles are still with us. It is up to us to leave a legacy to be remembered of their lives. I share stories all the time with my g.kids who ask about them. Your poem speaks for many of us Milton and is expressed so well. Blessings xxoo

Marco Chies

Date: 2/12/2022 3:23:00 PM

Yep, Milton is the best!!! Wonderful one, my friend!

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 2/11/2022 3:06:00 PM

that is sad when family and kin depart but worse, over a stupid fight. I am so happy this has never happened with my own family. my husband's is a different story. So dysfunctional. That is how I understand your poem so well. good one, Milt.

Robert Gorelick

Date: 2/11/2022 11:35:00 AM

I understand. It has become clear to me that my mother was the family's foundation. Touched by your poem!

Michelle Faulkner

Date: 2/10/2022 7:48:00 PM

Glad to see you've done a terza rima, it is a fun form to play with!

Karen Croft

Date: 2/10/2022 11:19:00 AM

yes, i believe mom and dad are the cement and the foundation and everyone else just run's a muck.

Deb M

Date: 2/10/2022 6:54:00 AM

Lovely poem Milton x

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 2/9/2022 6:56:00 PM

They often are! Great poem.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 2/9/2022 7:30:00 PM

Thank you, Kim. Unfortunately, that is the case.

Bill Baker

Date: 2/9/2022 4:36:00 PM

An interesting form, another of the many you have mastered, Milt. It's interesting how wise we become when we get older and stop and reflect on the many things in life that should be simpler than we've made them. Have a great week! Bill

L Milton Hankins
Date: 2/9/2022 5:24:00 PM

I love to tinker with these because the rhyme shifts each stanza. It's frustrating to get halfway along and lose the rhyme, however. Give it a try. Ah, but you do really super sonnets, which are difficult for me.

Jeff Kyser

Date: 2/9/2022 3:50:00 PM

Cool! Yet another form I've never seen, and a very nice job of it!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 2/9/2022 5:24:00 PM

Thank you, Jeff. Hang in there with me. I love to try out the different forms, and I try my best to fit them up with a proper theme.

Tom Cunningham

Date: 2/9/2022 3:36:00 PM

Funny how you lose track of kin, some move away and you never hear from them again, Some you're glad to see the back of lol. Have a great time in Florida Milton. Tom

L Milton Hankins
Date: 2/9/2022 5:26:00 PM

My dad had seven siblings and they all produced prolifically. I have first cousins I wouldn't recognize if I met them on the street. Even my own immediate family is spread out, and, unfortunately I have great-grandchildren I've never seen.