L Milton Hankins Poet Narrative

My First and Only Exorcism

Many years ago when I was a fledgling pastor
Spending time with friends was enjoyable
It was a small church with not much to do.
The local service station was a gathering spot
And while there, a policeman came in,
Said he needed a “minister” to come with him.

I said I would go, but I had no idea
About what I was going to encounter--
A mentally ill woman was being transported,
She had kicked the driver in the head and escaped.
When we arrived, we found her lying in a ditch,
Disheveled, dirty, angry, and hissing expletives.

At that moment, I began to believe in demons!

The policeman said he needed me to do an exorcism.
Well, I had no idea how to do that!
But I did have an idea I thought might work.
I did not tell the woman who I was,
But she knew immediately that I was a minister,
And she began screaming the foulest things at me.

Slowly, I approached her.
I recited The Lord’s Prayer and Psalm 23—
Over and over until she began to calm down.
When she was restrained, the policeman thanked me,
And returned me to the service station,
Where everyone wanted to hear the story.

So, I told them about the most broken human being
I had ever seen in my entire lifetime
And, that is still true today.

written June 26, 2021
[a brief narrative of a true story]
for "A Broken Person" poetry contest
sponsored by Faraz Ajmal

SILVER WINNER
"The Oddest Thing I Have Ever Seen" Contest
All Poetry, August 4, 2021

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Faraz Ajmal July 3, 2021 at 10:51 AM It is a very interesting poem you wrote. I am FROM Pakistan and the biggest problem with this country is that people believe so much in demonic possessions that they completely ignore their mental health. However, I am religious, so I also believe in possessions as well,so I always ends up being in an internal conflict with myself. I really liked reading this but I am afraid I can't place it in contest because it doesn't follow the instructions clearly. You can soupmail me for more details L Milton Hankins July 3, 2021 at 12:42 PM Faraz, I understand. It was a poor entry for your contest, but I just wanted to show that I had experienced someone who was in that situation.

M. L. Kiser June 27, 2021 at 8:31 PM Oh my! I wonder how one tells the difference between a mental condition and possession? There are so many things that can happen to the human mind; it's great that you were able to help. L Milton Hankins June 27, 2021 at 8:58 PM I can't answer that question, M.L. One thing has always struck me. Since I was dressed in jeans and tee, how did she know I was a minister???

Caren Krutsinger June 26, 2021 at 9:26 PM A wonderful true story; when in doubt believe He will come through; it always works! L Milton Hankins June 26, 2021 at 10:19 PM True story. I was a very young pastor. It was a very frightening experience, actually.

Gershon Wolf June 26, 2021 at 9:09 PM Whew! You just can't make up stuff like this, as they say! I imagine that as you recall your career as a pastor, this has got to be way up there on your 'List of Big Surprises.' Great contest entry, Milt. ~ Gershon L Milton Hankins June 26, 2021 at 9:23 PM Thanks, Gershon. I don't think I was ever so scared in my whole life! True event happened very early in my ministry. Nowaday, I'd probably take whole different approach. She was, indeed, a broken human being.