L Milton Hankins Poet Quatrain

Not All Change Is Good

Nothing is quite like it used to be
Not saying everything was better then
What happened to the live Christmas tree
Instead of this one, made from tin?

Not saying everything was better then
But we didn’t pollute everything with plastic
And, quite frankly, I can remember when
Whatever happened didn’t seem so drastic!

Back then we respected our elders, ‘tis true,
Appreciating their wisdom, no googling it
When we wondered what we should do,
Most importantly, we avoided stepping in **it.

It seems nowadays, we’ve lost commonsense
Many want to tear down instead of build up
Doing what’s morally right? We sit on the fence
Evening news is like drinking from a bitter cup.

If I sound pessimistic; no, I’m merely observing
Many changes are good, but some are not so laudable
I am concerned that we are not as conserving,
And, as to fixing our problems, largely improbable. 

Written November 25, 2022

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Shirley Hawkins November 26, 2022 at 11:18 PM A poem that is very close to my heart, Milt. I used to think old people tend to say, "It was better in my day" caring and sharing indeed were more evident in more close-knit communities. People felt more about us than just themselves. We seem to expect much and give little sometimes. We seem to have lost something precious. Some situations have improved very much. Too much change can become hard to manage. I am aware that young people may take a different view of life. ( Old Duck) L Milton Hankins November 27, 2022 at 8:02 AM Oh, I have no doubt that they will, Shirley, but we old-timers remember those better days, at least, in our opinion.

I Am Anaya November 26, 2022 at 10:17 AM Change can be a confusing thing as well as a bad thing, the elder don't adjust as well, the younger benefit, after all didn't we want it easier for our children. I agree with you Milt, 'bout plastic and conserving and those things! I miss some of the good 'ol days:) Joe Maverick November 27, 2022 at 6:12 AM I am of the view, exactly as mr Hankins stated (change for changes sake is wasteful ) I Would rather see a think tank on how much change should be implemented at one go.' And what are the ultimate benefits Percived, obvoiusly (big money will try) to involve itself..That is the poisen to be avoided, the question being how much can be Avoided.? L Milton Hankins November 26, 2022 at 10:49 AM Thank you, Anaya, for your affirming and thoughtful comment.

Jenna Logan November 26, 2022 at 8:43 AM I really don't like change; not a creature of habit but I'm usually ok with 'If it ain't broke...' Recent worlds changes are deplorable in many ways. Good points, Milt. L Milton Hankins November 26, 2022 at 9:47 AM Thanks so much for your comment, Jenna. You and I certainly agree on this.

Mark Koplin November 26, 2022 at 5:38 AM The only constant in this world is change, unfortunately it is not always good. L Milton Hankins November 26, 2022 at 9:53 AM So true, Mark. I take Jenna's attitude (see her comment). I like change when it is a genuine improvement and makes things better. If it is change for change's sake, well, I'm not really a fan. Thanks for commenting. Joe Maverick November 26, 2022 at 8:48 AM I know quite well specially when You break your paper money' Will a handfull of change Last through till Monday.?

Joe Maverick November 26, 2022 at 1:02 AM Look I hope I'm not one of those 'Changes?' Mr Milton er.. Hankins um.. I mean a bad one..? I'm biased I suppose? In that regard..' I do agree with what you Have put, generally yet you will realise that already No doubt..' I would think you have perused Some of my writes, maybe by nights? With but little light.? I'm not sure on that btw.? By the bye.? On the fly.? The lam? I think That ones more for slam-dumk poetry.? Is that the term now? Anyway dear human, I'm just saying hello.' L Milton Hankins November 26, 2022 at 9:52 AM Well delightful, Joe, to hear from you. I'm glad you read my poem and, obviously, reacted to it. Say "hello" more often! Happy holidays!

Ilene Bauer November 25, 2022 at 1:11 PM you've described this so well, milt! i often find myself wishing that things were the way they used to be when times were much simpler and more innocent... L Milton Hankins November 25, 2022 at 5:46 PM Ah, don't we all, Ilene. If I allowed myself, 90% of my poems would be about the way things used to be...at least as I remember them.

Sotto Poet November 25, 2022 at 11:07 AM Milt, you have no idea how much I like this. From the first to the final lyric, the entire thing exudes tenderness/bitterness and is crafted with such skill. If you could just correct the last word of the third stanza's last line. L Milton Hankins November 25, 2022 at 11:10 AM If it suits you better, Lassad, just read it "stepping in it." Thanks for your kudos, my friend. I appreciate it.

Tom Cunningham November 25, 2022 at 10:41 AM I totally agree Milton it seems good old common sense has been thrown out the window. Tom L Milton Hankins November 25, 2022 at 11:07 AM I think so, Tom. And, I don't know why.