L Milton Hankins | + Follow Poet |
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Magnolia Tree

Yesterday,
A huge magnolia tree on the corner
Burst out in magnificent large white blossoms,
[temperamental she is] but I think she bloomed
This year to remind us that optimism is in the air--
[Encouraging us to put the dark days 
Of the past year behind us].
She proudly wears her blossoms like a bride 
Adorns with lovely flowers her hair--
On her wedding day
Full of smiles, optimistic,
Forward-looking.

FIRST PLACE WINNER
Brian Strand's Poetry Soup Contest
written July 8, 2021

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Jan Allison Date: 7/11/2021 4:45:00 PM what wonderful uplifting lines Milton a poem of hope for the future, many congrats on your win:-) hugs jan xx Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 7/11/2021 7:24:00 PM Thanks, Jan. I always appreciate your nod!

Sam Kauffman Date: 7/8/2021 11:58:00 AM Nature, to me, is a reflection of God - the eternal optimist. You have captured that optimism in your images - blooms, a bride, a wedding day. And, nature is never ashamed of "bursting" optimism. I like this very much. And a p.s. on the mockingbird - I once rescued a runaway rooster from a feral cat! He was given the name Chauncy from the french for luck becuase he was the luckiest darn rooster we knew! Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 7/8/2021 1:31:00 PM Thanks so much, Sam. I really appreciated your kind and thoughtful comments on my poem. I had no idea it would get this much attention. Much appreciated.

Sotto Poet Date: 7/8/2021 11:57:00 AM Milton, this poem is uplifting with great positive vibes and very nicely illustrated, percolating seamlessly with excellent phrasing and perfect imagery. kindest regards Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 7/8/2021 1:31:00 PM Thanks so much, Lasaad. I rather liked it myself, but I wasn't sure how it would go over. Glad you enjoyed it.

Rico Leffanta Date: 7/8/2021 11:29:00 AM If you had watched closely, you would have seen honeybees working together to pluck the stalks from the magnolia blossom so they - and other honeybees- gain access to the nectar beneath. Sometimes it may take two or more honeybees to remove one stalk, so it is hard work. Look at the ground beneath the blossom and you will find a pile of stalks! Aloha! Rico Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 7/8/2021 11:36:00 AM Hey, Rico. I didn't know that, but I'm going to go take a look now. Thanks for the info. We have lots of honeybees this time of the year, and I have a friend who has about six hives. He tells me bees will travel up to six miles (round trip) to gather nectar.

Gary Radice Date: 7/8/2021 9:32:00 AM I sense a certain optimism in the air too Milton. It's nice to read about such things after negative views on (American) life from the usual suspect recently. Your use of personification was lovely and actually reminded me of a Rose Queen Festival the village where I used to live held once yearly around this time. Cheers - Gary Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 7/8/2021 9:48:00 AM I can't thank you enough for your positive response to my poem today, Gary. I hope we are right...that optimism is in the air! Thanks so much, you helped lift my spirits.