L Milton Hankins Poet Quatrain

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 July 29, 2022 at 3:16 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 July 29, 2022 at 8:18 AM Thank you so much, Jenna. Hope you have a marvelous day. I'm starting Cardiac Rehab this afternoon.

Eve Roper July 23, 2022 at 2:50 PM So so true.. we slowly fade with age. Nicely done and said. Many blessings that you get younger L Milton Hankins July 23, 2022 at 2:56 PM Wouldn't that be nice for all of us, Eve? I think so.

Michael Tor July 23, 2022 at 12:36 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 July 23, 2022 at 9:05 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 July 22, 2022 at 11:24 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 July 23, 2022 at 9:06 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 July 22, 2022 at 9:20 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 July 23, 2022 at 9:07 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 July 22, 2022 at 5:52 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 July 22, 2022 at 6:46 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 July 22, 2022 at 4:23 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 July 22, 2022 at 5:05 PM So true, Paulette. Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment on my poem.