Home » Poems » L Milton Hankins » Man On a Park Bench

Man On a Park Bench

"Are you happy?" the old man ventured All he owned fit on his three-wheeled cart He flew a new "Don't Tread on Me" flag A pack of cigarettes, a can of stale ale And, for him, all was right with the world. written January 9, 2022

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem.

Please Login to post a comment

Maurice Rigoler

Date: 1/14/2022 10:45:00 AM

In poetry less is always more. A saying that guides my choice of authors and why I prefer Hemingway to Faulkner who wrote some of the longest sentences in English. The one that stands out is found in his short story "The Bear" – it's one page and a half page long! / Maurice

L Milton Hankins
Date: 1/14/2022 11:15:00 AM

Thank you so much, Maurice, for your insightful comment...as always.

Gershon Wolf

Date: 1/13/2022 6:06:00 PM

Nice portrait of contentment. Betcha he doesn't see a psychiatrist every week...

L Milton Hankins
Date: 1/13/2022 7:09:00 PM

I think that's not at all likely, gw. He seemed to be very well-adjusted and content on that park bench.

Bill Baker

Date: 1/13/2022 5:48:00 PM

It doesn't take much if you don't over think it. I liked this one very much, Milt. Have a great weekend! Bill

L Milton Hankins
Date: 1/13/2022 7:10:00 PM

That is so true, Bill, so true! I believe we have a propensity for complicating our lives unnecessarily. This man appeared to have found peace for himself. It probably wouldn't work for me, but he seemed perfectly content.

Virginia Gelok

Date: 1/13/2022 12:21:00 PM

Sad as he may have looked we all should take a lesson. Sometimes nothing is everything.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 1/13/2022 1:24:00 PM

Absolutely, Virginia. And who was I to disturb his solitude to satisfy my curiosity about what brought him to this station in life? Yep, sometimes nothing is everything! Well said.

Mike Gentile

Date: 1/13/2022 11:03:00 AM

I often wonder the freedom of non-materialistic being! Good one Milt!!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 1/13/2022 11:08:00 AM

Thanks so much, Mike. As I think I mentioned earlier, I wanted to talk with him, but I hesitated to intrude on his solitude.

Sotto Poet

Date: 1/13/2022 9:44:00 AM

It's the most satisfying feeling in the world that gives it meaningfulness. This is all about the prolific pen and the precious paper among poets. It admirably expresses a great deal that you consider and genuinely appreciate my poems, and I am thankful for your support and kindly encouragement.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 1/13/2022 11:09:00 AM

Well thank you, Lasaad. I appreciate your kind words.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 1/13/2022 8:49:00 AM

whatever floats someone's boat. That expression works nicely for this one, Milt!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 1/13/2022 9:06:00 AM

I think so, Andrea. I really wanted to spend some time talking to this fella, but I didn't want to break into his solitude. I felt both sympathy and thanksgiving that he had found some contentment.

Natasha L Scragg

Date: 1/13/2022 8:42:00 AM

It's the little things in life that make it life. For poets it's pen an paper :-D

L Milton Hankins
Date: 1/13/2022 9:07:00 AM

So true, Natasha. So thoughtful of you, too.

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 1/13/2022 8:17:00 AM

I love it when people are satisfied; this poem satisfied me.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 1/13/2022 8:55:00 AM

I didn't think more needed to be said. Thanks, Caren. I really liked that old fella.

Charles Messina

Date: 1/13/2022 3:57:00 AM

Riches and jewels aren't for everyone. Some of the simplest things can make someone's world a happier place. A pack of smokes could be all it takes. Nice write, Milton.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 1/13/2022 9:09:00 AM

Thanks so much for your insightful thoughts, Charlie. I think you are right on target with your comment.

Terry Miller

Date: 1/13/2022 3:21:00 AM

Very well observed and written, I really like this Milt.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 1/13/2022 9:05:00 AM

Thanks, Terry, for your kind and thoughtful comment on my observation.

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 1/12/2022 9:05:00 PM

Some times it is so simple.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 1/12/2022 9:34:00 PM

Indeed, Kim. I really wanted to talk to him, but he seemed to content I didn't want to disturb him. Thanks for your comment.

Shirley Hawkins

Date: 1/12/2022 8:02:00 PM

How refreshing to read a verse that shows contentment with whatever cards life has dealt you. I loved his flag too.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 1/12/2022 9:34:00 PM

I sat in my car and observed him for about fifteen minutes before he moved on down the street. The description is what I saw.