L Milton Hankins Poet Free verse

Like 'Let 'Er Rip'

Like a block of ice in a refrigerator car full of Chicago meats
     I have a role to play,
          an important purpose, and
               limited time to be fully functional.
Like fourth chair, fourth clarinet in the Boston philharmonic
     I have a note to sound,
          a reason for being, and
               without me the chord is incomplete.
Like the words that flow unmetered, unrhymed in free verse
     I have messages to send,
          a legitimate place in poetry, and
               require a patient reader.

EIGHT PLACE WINNER
Written June 22, 2021
For “Let ‘er Rip No. 3” Poetry Contest
Sponsored by John Lawless

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Juliet Ligon July 16, 2021 at 8:33 AM We all have our unique style and purpose. Interesting comparisons. Congratulations! L Milton Hankins July 16, 2021 at 10:38 AM Thanks you so much, Juliet, for your thoughtful and kind comment on my poem.

Terry Flood July 11, 2021 at 3:58 PM Congrats on your win, Milt. A special kind of message in your words for all of us. Terry L Milton Hankins July 11, 2021 at 7:26 PM Thank you, Terry, for your thoughtful comment. Your reads and comments mean a lot to me.

John Lawless July 11, 2021 at 1:00 PM and a time sensitive endeavor with a "melting point"....love this metaphoric take on poetry and poetic purpose. L Milton Hankins July 11, 2021 at 1:17 PM John, I really appreciate your comments. Thanks!

Rama Balasubramanian July 11, 2021 at 11:10 AM WoW! This is so beautiful. Congratulations on your well deserved win L Milton Hankins July 11, 2021 at 11:22 AM Thank you, Rama. I really appreciate your thoughts.

Sam Kauffman July 11, 2021 at 9:17 AM Congratulations on your win Milt. Wonderful analogies of the unique and necessary role each of us is gifted with by God. It reminds me of the statement from Esther "for such a time as this." L Milton Hankins July 11, 2021 at 10:05 AM Thanks so much, Sam.

Paula Goldsmith July 11, 2021 at 8:36 AM Congratulations on your win. I love your line, "I have messages to send." You are sending out wonderful messages. Keep up the great work. Enjoy your win/Sunday with blessings......... L Milton Hankins July 11, 2021 at 10:05 AM Paula, I thank you so much for your thoughtful comments.

Brian Sambourne July 11, 2021 at 8:34 AM Hello Milton, From your opening creative simile, your poem resonates strongly with me. Let your words continue to flow, Milton, so that we hear your messages, unteethered. Congratulations on your fine contest entry. Brian L Milton Hankins July 11, 2021 at 9:10 AM Thanks so much, Brian. Appreciate your comment.

Christuraj Alex July 11, 2021 at 7:43 AM Well written. Congratulations! L Milton Hankins July 11, 2021 at 9:11 AM Thanks, Christuraj. I always appreciate hearing from you.

Gershon Wolf June 23, 2021 at 6:43 PM This packs a great punch, Milt. That first stanza hearkens back to the 'City of Big Shoulders...' Peace, gw L Milton Hankins June 23, 2021 at 7:10 PM Thanks, Gershon. I hope it does well in the contest. I didn't understand your reference "City of Big Shoulders" until I looked it up. Yeah, Chicago!...and meat-packing!

Evelyn Judy Buehler June 22, 2021 at 8:26 PM I love this, Milton. It's an impressive contest entry. Best wishes for a win, my friend. :) L Milton Hankins June 22, 2021 at 8:31 PM Well, thank you, Evelyn. How very kind of you to say. Well, I'll hope for the best.