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Like Brightest Stars

Like the brightest stars we fade in time Losing the sparkling diamond in our eyes Our zest for excitement slowly subsides Attempts to succeed become futile tries. The light we send out diminishes with age Life, as in childhood, is no longer sublime Each day we slowly turn another page, And think about when it will be our time While frantically trying to recoup our youth Knowing the past has slipped slowly away, We cling to our wit and humor often uncouth Searching for real meaning in every day. Not retrievable in this fleeting dimension We search for vestiges of elusive truth, In a restless world filled with hatefulness While protecting our own, staying aloof. Until no longer the night sky projecting, We burn out in a barely noticed blaze of glory, And hope upon hope, not really certain, Someone will care enough to tell our story. Written July 22, 2022 NEW BEST POEM LIST #41 POETRY SOUP July 25, 2022 NEW BEST POEM LIST #66 September 1, 2022

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Jenna Logan

Date: 7/29/2022 3:16:00 AM

While perusing your writes I found this diamond. My apology for missing it last week and my applause for creating such a faceted jewel.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/29/2022 8:18:00 AM

Thank you so much, Jenna. Hope you have a marvelous day. I'm starting Cardiac Rehab this afternoon.

Eve Roper

Date: 7/23/2022 2:50:00 PM

So so true.. we slowly fade with age. Nicely done and said. Many blessings that you get younger

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/23/2022 2:56:00 PM

Wouldn't that be nice for all of us, Eve? I think so.

Michael Tor

Date: 7/23/2022 12:36:00 AM

An honest realization written here Milton. An aging process that experiences life's experiences, gaining knowledge through the years, reflecting on our younger years and fading into the future. Dealing and searching for the truth that sometimes is kept from us. Relying on our resolve, to get us through. A favorite Milton. This so far other than your writings on your wife is my favorite from you. Inner emotion and raw disclosure of ones life. Thank you for sharing, and I appreciate the effort...

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/23/2022 9:05:00 AM

Thank you, Michael. I really appreciate the time you took to assess my poem and to write such an encouraging and kind comment.

Valsa George

Date: 7/22/2022 11:24:00 PM

This is wisdom incarnate.... stating bluntntly some stark facts.... ! I too often think of the transitoriness of life. As we grow older and older, we find greater relevance in such thoughts ! Into m FAVE

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/23/2022 9:06:00 AM

Valsa, I can't tell you what your kind and considerate comment means to me. It encourages me as I pursue my poetry interests, just as I hope my poetry encourages you.

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 7/22/2022 9:20:00 PM

"We cling to our wit and humor often uncouth Searching for real meaning in every day." - I have to admit being with a 17-year-old granddaughter for three days gave me my wit and humor back in double time force!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/23/2022 9:07:00 AM

I'm sure it did, Caren. What a wonderful little trip you two much have had. It sort of reminded me of my brother's and my trip to Mt. Rushmore. It is great to spend special time with family members, and I would think especially between grandmother and granddaughter.

Terrell Martin

Date: 7/22/2022 5:52:00 PM

Melancholy, yet filled with the truth of growing older and losing the zestfulness of youth. Well done, Milton. Being 64, I can certainly relate but I'm doing my best to stave off the creeping effects of "father time." Remember the words of Churchill: "Never give up. Never give up. NEVER give up!"

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/22/2022 6:46:00 PM

And so I shan't, Terrell. Definitely. I'm technically an old man, but I'm still very active in those pursuits which entertain and intrigue me. Thanks so much for your thoughts.

Paulette Calasibetta

Date: 7/22/2022 4:23:00 PM

Lots of wisdom packed in your poem~it is so true our light diminishes with age and our days are numbered with the hope we will leave behind a memorable legacy. :)Paulette

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/22/2022 5:05:00 PM

So true, Paulette. Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment on my poem.