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

happyheartbreakhomeintrospectionperspectivefree verse

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Maurice Rigoler

January 14, 2022 at 10:45 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

January 14, 2022 at 11:15 AM

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

Gershon Wolf

January 13, 2022 at 6:06 PM

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

L Milton Hankins

January 13, 2022 at 7:09 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

January 13, 2022 at 5:48 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

January 13, 2022 at 7:10 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

January 13, 2022 at 12:21 PM

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

L Milton Hankins

January 13, 2022 at 1:24 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

January 13, 2022 at 11:03 AM

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

L Milton Hankins

January 13, 2022 at 11:08 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

January 13, 2022 at 9:44 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

January 13, 2022 at 11:09 AM

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

Andrea Dietrich

January 13, 2022 at 8:49 AM

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

L Milton Hankins

January 13, 2022 at 9:06 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

January 13, 2022 at 8:42 AM

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

L Milton Hankins

January 13, 2022 at 9:07 AM

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

Caren Krutsinger

January 13, 2022 at 8:17 AM

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

L Milton Hankins

January 13, 2022 at 8:55 AM

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

Charles Messina

January 13, 2022 at 3:57 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

January 13, 2022 at 9:09 AM

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