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No Thoughtless Lout Here

I am saddened by those who must lash out, As though I am some kind of a thoughtless lout Who writes to upset others who will read me, I write only to set my innermost thoughts free. Do not think, dear reader, that I had you in mind Writing a critical poem, really, rather hard to find, It was my own conscience I was trying to clear, And, certainly not my intention to hurt you, dear. So, lighten up and take a few lingering sighs, Take out a mirror, and look yourself in your eyes And, if you see a message there resonating, Then it is within yourself the thing you are hating. Written July 25, 2021

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Caren Krutsinger

Date: 7/26/2021 2:55:00 PM

"Do not think, dear reader, that I had you in mind" - this is so true! It amazes me that anyone could think you would write with anyone else in mind.

Unseeking Seeker

Date: 7/26/2021 9:16:00 AM

Well said, Milton! Venomous attacks are to be frowned upon but harmless banter or occasional unsolicited views should also be taken in with good humour by the poets.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/26/2021 9:21:00 AM

I think you have made a good point, Unseeking Seeker. Thanks for your input.

Gershon Wolf

Date: 7/26/2021 7:55:00 AM

Lash out -- then crash and burn. ~ gw

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/26/2021 9:22:00 AM

I think that is so often the case, Gershon. Well said.

Ann Peck

Date: 7/26/2021 7:11:00 AM

That's a very good poem, Milton, and so true. We all write from our heart. Our thoughts aren't written just to please others. Take care, Ann

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/26/2021 9:23:00 AM

Same to you, Ann. Thanks so much for your thoughtful and kind input to my poem.

Evelyn Judy Buehler

Date: 7/25/2021 8:47:00 PM

This is a very well crafted poem, with excellent rhyming, Milton. Have a nice week. Blessings, Evelyn:)

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/26/2021 9:23:00 AM

Thank you so much, Evelyn. I appreciate you.

Christuraj Alex

Date: 7/25/2021 8:44:00 PM

It was my own conscience I was trying to clear, And, certainly not my intention to hurt you, dear. The best policy of a critique. I applaud you for this.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/26/2021 9:24:00 AM

Thanks, Christuraj, for your comment on my poem.

Regina Mcintosh

Date: 7/25/2021 8:03:00 PM

Humm... must have missed something. I'm sure this isn't for me. Hope it all works out for you both, whoever it's for. God bless you always, Love, Gina

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/25/2021 8:13:00 PM

The "I" in the poem is "everyman." Perhaps I could have written it more generically, but I couldn't figure out how to do it, so I just personalized it.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/25/2021 8:12:00 PM

(chuckle) Definitely not written for anyone, Regina, in particular. As I read the new poems everyday, I notice some rather rancorous attacks on some PS poets, and totally unnecessary, I must add, by other PS poets. It's written with all of them in mind. Some people seem to have an axe to grind and, in my opinion, this is no place for it. So, I wrote this poem. You can rest in peace, as can almost 100% of the people who will read it. Sometimes, don't you think, we just have to say what needs to be said.