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My Notebook

My notebook is filled with promises, I say, When I was young and hopeful for the years To come, so sure that tomorrow would bring Better days, and I would be the prince of all I surveyed despite the plans of fate unleashed, But time passed and I,…I never heard the call I never heard the proverbial “fat lady” sing, Although I did laugh through many tears, And I tried to live my fullest every lovely day. written September 16, 2021 [This verse follows my reverse form, which I often use. The scheme, depending on the number of lines is ABCDEDCBA.]

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Caren Krutsinger

Date: 9/20/2021 11:07:00 AM

I am still waiting too Hank. "I never heard the proverbial “fat lady” sing,"

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/20/2021 1:40:00 PM

I loved what Sally said about changing "fat lady" to "ship comes in," but I couldn't make it work. English idioms are so damned tricky!

Joanna Daniel

Date: 9/19/2021 2:09:00 AM

As the saying goes, "Man proposes, God disposes", nice reverse rhyme scheme, Milton:)

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/19/2021 8:35:00 AM

Jo, thanks so much.

Robert James Liguori

Date: 9/18/2021 12:13:00 PM

Wonderful scheme and joyously played. Fantastic thank you for explaining the form, the reread was wonderful.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/18/2021 1:47:00 PM

Thank you so much, Robert. I really appreciated your thoughts on my poem.

Evelyn Judy Buehler

Date: 9/17/2021 8:34:00 PM

Real life often gets in the way of our youthful hopes and dreams. Milton, I enjoyed this relateable poem, so brilliantly written.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/18/2021 1:52:00 PM

Ah, that's so nice of you to say, Evelyn, but then you always respond so positively and optimistically. Thank you.

Delice Arleen Skelly

Date: 9/17/2021 4:10:00 AM

The best-laid plans of mice and men are usually dashed. However, we get on with it. Nice one Milton

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/17/2021 8:04:00 AM

That seems to be true, Delice, but I just keep swimming upstream. Thanks.

Sotto Poet

Date: 9/16/2021 6:20:00 PM

I enjoyed reading this verse, Milton. It's always nice to get a surprise, especially if it's money. Superbly penned

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/16/2021 7:04:00 PM

Lasaad, thank you very much.

Paul Schneiter

Date: 9/16/2021 5:08:00 PM

Milton, believing that one day a rich uncle will have put us in his will, etc., is a universal human tendency, and it's what enables us to endure mortality's slings and arrows. Virtually every mortal has a notebook a lot like yours. Thanks for your straightforward, honest comment.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/16/2021 5:39:00 PM

Thanks, Paul. My hopeful parents named me for my rich uncle, but he wound up in a state farm and they, of course, took all of his wealth. I appreciated your thoughts.

Sally Eslinger

Date: 9/16/2021 1:16:00 PM

Milton, I absolutely relate. Feels like you lifted this out of my memoirs although I’d change Ship comes in, instead of Fat lady sings. I’ve often wished to hear her but in truth not truly ready for that concert. A superb pen here. Thank you

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/16/2021 4:46:00 PM

Thank you so much, Sally. I really appreciate your thoughts.