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My Father

When my father was in a drunken stupor, He could be a disgusting, nasty pooper His paranoia would send him into a rage Everyone was against him took advantage, So he thought, while inflating his self-worth A vain man of massive ego and matching girth He lashed out at those who loved him most, Of his superior qualities he would often boast. When he was sober, he could be Mr. Milquetoast Some said he was one of the finest men on earth It is true, he could exhibit considerable mirth We wondered how he could turn the page He was, indeed, a smart man, …even a sage. Among friends he was considered a trooper, But he could be a disgustingly nasty pooper When my father was in a drunken stupor. Written March 8, 2022 [Verso-Rhyme] #68 on List of 100 Best Poems Poetry Soup April 1, 2022

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Shirley Hawkins

Date: 3/9/2022 7:08:00 PM

Your Father must have been a very unhappy man. It is sad for young children living with a parent who allows themselves to become out of control. Not a good environment to be brought up in.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 3/9/2022 7:32:00 PM

Yes, that is true. It was a very difficult situation when he was home.

Rico Leffanta

Date: 3/9/2022 10:36:00 AM

It is interesting how drunks behave, e.g, the Welsh love to sing (as every rugby fan knows) whereas Germans love to sing and dance on tabletops, etc., but the American tradition is to argue and fight . . . .

L Milton Hankins
Date: 3/9/2022 4:22:00 PM

Seems to be the case, Rico...and so true in my case.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 3/8/2022 1:03:00 PM

this is a really cool form, and wow, I love this poem. It reminds me of my stepdad's father, how nice he was and then when he got drunk, he was a totally different person. I love the way the ending here repeats the intro. a FAVE

L Milton Hankins
Date: 3/8/2022 2:21:00 PM

Thanks so much, Andrea. I find that I write lots of poems with this structure, so I just gave a name to it. It appears to come naturally to me.

Marco Chies

Date: 3/8/2022 12:42:00 PM

you know this poetry represents many of us. me for example. at some points my father was like that too, but when the first grandson was born he improved a lot, quit drinking and became the admirable person he still is today.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 3/8/2022 2:23:00 PM

Ah, that's marvelous, Marco. My father turned a page in his later years (or at least he said he did) and became a different person, but, alas, it all took place long after I had already experienced the worst.

Tom Cunningham

Date: 3/8/2022 12:33:00 PM

It's always those close to someone that sees the dark side of them. If folk can't handle alcohol they should steer clear. Tom

L Milton Hankins
Date: 3/8/2022 2:24:00 PM

That is certainly true, Tom. My father couldn't seem to have a drink now and then. He had to buy and consume a whole bottle, get uproariously drunk, and make everyone (including himself) miserable. But, that was long ago!

Kenneth Cheney

Date: 3/8/2022 12:02:00 PM

Sadly far too many people can relate first hand to this problem. Substance abuse is a terrible thing. So often hidden away from the world, but family members suffer.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 3/8/2022 12:32:00 PM

Indeed, they do. I did, Kenneth. My father and I, as a result, always had an adversarial relationship. It was a sad thing.