L Milton Hankins Poet Villanelle

On Criticizing Others

Rein in those opportunities to criticize
Think of all the good things to be said
Remember to see through others’ eyes.

Or sometimes simply resort to sighs.
In disagreement, merely shake your head
Rein in those opportunities to criticize.

Be a bigger person, even if you must disguise
Displeasures weighing on you heavy as lead,
Remember to see through others’ eyes.

If you announce your woes, it’s seldom wise,
Sometimes they are better not to be read
Rein in those opportunities to criticize!

Is it that you get joy when someone cries?
How easily you could’ve another’s feelings fed
Remember to see through others’ eyes.

For being disagreeable you’ll win no prize,
Hatefulness and sharp words are best unsaid,
Remember to see through others’ eyes, 
Rein in those opportunities to criticize. 

Written December 5, 2022

#54 on Top 100 New Poems List
Poetry Soup
December 11, 2022

#50 on Top 100 New Poems List
Poetry Soup
December 12, 2022

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Annie Lander April 24, 2025 at 9:04 AM Is it that you get joy when someone cries? How easily you could’ve another’s feelings fed Remember to see through others’ eyes. love these lines

Demetrios Trifiatis December 28, 2022 at 12:20 PM I am going to miss you, my dear friend. You will forever live in my heart. Rest In Peace in God's domain!

Marco Chies December 22, 2022 at 12:49 PM YES!!!! Your poem is in the 100 best poems!!!! CONGRATULATIONS, Milton, I'm proud to be your friend!!!

John Watt December 12, 2022 at 11:21 AM Milt, I really enjoyed the way you crafted your Villanelle and especially the positive message of reining in the tendency to criticize. It isn't that hard to focus on giving support and encouragement, and let the negativity remain unspoken. Congrats for your POTD honor. I hope all is well ~ John L Milton Hankins December 12, 2022 at 12:51 PM Thanks so much, John. It is always good to hear from you and read your thoughtful comments. I appreciate it.

Karen Jones December 11, 2022 at 1:08 AM Been away for months and today my birthday you win a top spot. This is a great advise poem. Congrats! Have fun on your trip. I will be at the NC Chinese Lantern Festival tonight! L Milton Hankins December 11, 2022 at 9:12 AM Welcome back and thanks, Karen. Enjoy yourself.

Mike Gentile December 9, 2022 at 3:56 AM Been away for a couple of days and I missed this!! Wonderful Milt, these sentiments are what the world needs and I could not agree more! You created and expressed this so beautifully, it should be kept close at hand as a potent reminder! Congratulations! L Milton Hankins December 9, 2022 at 5:45 AM Thank you so much, Mike. I think so myself. Have a wonderful Friday! I'm off to Puerta Vallarta on Tuesday. Staying a week.

Elizabeth Mccann December 8, 2022 at 1:40 PM A very astute piece, Milton. A tenet of mine is that the negative critic is so empty him/herself that identity can only be constructed by setting up walls and lobbing grenades over them! L Milton Hankins December 8, 2022 at 7:10 PM There's so much truth in your thoughtful and thought-provoking comment, Elizabeth. I can't thank you enough for it.

Valsa George December 8, 2022 at 1:30 AM " Hatefulness and sharp words are best unsaid, Remember to see through others’ eyes," These lines remind me of the wise sayings in Proverbs in the Bible. How better, it is to avoid criticism and find beauty where one can. Congratulations Milton on your POTD. L Milton Hankins December 8, 2022 at 8:52 AM Thank you so much for your thoughtful and meaningful comment, Valsa.

Eve Roper December 7, 2022 at 8:35 PM Congratulations on your POTD L Milton Hankins December 7, 2022 at 8:41 PM Thank you so much, Eve. It's always good to hear from you.

Robert Gorelick December 7, 2022 at 6:10 PM Congratulations on your POTD Milt! Lincoln advised that when we're enraged at someone, we should write an angry letter, then tear it up! Good advice! Robert L Milton Hankins December 7, 2022 at 8:41 PM That is very good advice...most of the time, Robert. Occasionally, however, I believe we need to let people know we are angry and why!

I Am Anaya December 7, 2022 at 5:24 PM Great message here. Let's also keep joy, peace and hope at least until Groundhog Day!;D Congratulations on your Poem of the Day L Milton Hankins! L Milton Hankins December 7, 2022 at 8:42 PM Thanks, Anaya. I'll certainly try.

Tania Kitchin December 7, 2022 at 4:23 PM Milt, a great poem with a great message, congratulations on POTD! L Milton Hankins December 7, 2022 at 5:11 PM Thank you so much, Tania. I appreciate it.

Sotto Poet December 7, 2022 at 3:42 PM Congratulations on your POTD honor, Milt. This a lovely poem with great wisdom and compassion. L Milton Hankins December 7, 2022 at 4:13 PM Thank you so very much, Lasaad. I appreciate you.

Malabika Ray Choudhury December 7, 2022 at 3:05 PM Congratulations, Dear Milton, on your POTD. "Remember to see through others’ eyes." - this is to me, the loveliest and wisest line. Warm wishes ~ Mala L Milton Hankins December 7, 2022 at 4:14 PM Thanks so much, Mala. I always enjoy hearing from you.

Arlo Parker December 7, 2022 at 12:35 PM "Remember to see through others’ eyes"... Good for all of us. Gobsmacking bullies and trolls just begets more bullies and trolls. ~;) L Milton Hankins December 7, 2022 at 12:35 PM Thank you, Arlo. I appreciate your thoughts.

Susan Lawrence December 7, 2022 at 12:24 PM Milton , So wise and poignant. I like to take the high road and see the good in others . Compassion is a gift. Congratulations on POTD ! Hugs, Susan :) L Milton Hankins December 7, 2022 at 12:36 PM Me, too, Susan; although, I must admit, that sometimes I need to get some of these things off my chest. Better to get it out than to let it fester!

Ken Rone December 7, 2022 at 11:52 AM Milt: I've always considered you the master of the villanelle, (Mr. Thomas excepted). Great sentiments. "As you go through life, friends come and go but enemies can accumulate ". Congrats on another POTD. Best - Ken L Milton Hankins December 7, 2022 at 12:37 PM Thank you, Ken. I appreciate your thoughts and nice compliment.

Jim Slaughter December 7, 2022 at 11:05 AM An excellent piece of advice, L M...and also for POTD. Something we all should/could learn...the difference between "critique" and "criticize". L Milton Hankins December 7, 2022 at 12:37 PM Thank you so much, Jim.

Miranda Hawley December 7, 2022 at 11:01 AM Congrats on your win! This is epic. Now what if this was learned on 1. views of Trump, 2. views of religion, (Muslim, Christian, atheist, others) 3. views of Fox news and or Ben Shapiro? And yes, I've very much listed issues that I know are divisive and issues that people have strong feelings over. I mean our world would be an epically better place. L Milton Hankins December 7, 2022 at 12:38 PM I'm sure it would be, Miranda. Thanks for your comment.

Bill Baker December 7, 2022 at 8:24 AM Congratulations on your POTD, Milt. Very wise thoughts conveyed, my friend.I want be very active this month due to Sara having surgery and caring for her, but hope to be back to normal in Jan. Enjoy your day! Bill L Milton Hankins December 7, 2022 at 8:58 AM Thank you so much for the congratulations, Bill. I appreciate it. I hope Sara gets along well and recovers quickly.

Jenna Logan December 7, 2022 at 8:13 AM Criticism is a folly that often leads the chided one(s) to retaliate in kind. That's not written to condone the action. Though some may not comprehend the reasoning behind your write, Milt, I do and congratulate you on it having been recognized as the poem of the day. L Milton Hankins December 7, 2022 at 8:15 AM Thanks so much, Jenna. It will be read more widely, and for that I am most grateful.

Warren Doll December 7, 2022 at 7:52 AM Great words of Wisdom. Congratulations on POTD~ Warren L Milton Hankins December 7, 2022 at 8:10 AM Thanks so much, Warren.

Joseph May December 7, 2022 at 7:22 AM Well said Milton, Congrats on POTD L Milton Hankins December 7, 2022 at 8:10 AM Thanks, Joseph

Linda Alice Fowler December 7, 2022 at 5:38 AM Congratulations on the honor of your POTD Milt! A great flowing rhyme scheme. :) L Milton Hankins December 7, 2022 at 8:10 AM Thank you so much, Linda. I appreciate it.

Vijay Pandit December 7, 2022 at 5:27 AM BIG congrats on POTD, Milton. Great advice. Enjoy your day. L Milton Hankins December 7, 2022 at 8:11 AM Thanks, Vijay. I appreciate your thoughts.

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