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On Doing My Best

I did not set out to rise to the top, in fact I didn’t even know that recognition existed, Until one day I was exploring Soup’s sections Found my name at Top 100 Community listed. Having little else to do, I read and write poems, Indulging myself with what I’ve always enjoyed Writing encouraging comments to be beneficial, I’m not Frost, Angelou, and certainly no Freud! I don’t know why I’ve been vilified by a few, Called names and belittled for simply being me Saying my poems are “obscenely dull and reeling,” Could someone be in the clutches of pure jealousy? Some say it’s best to just ignore these sick trolls And I think there is merit to this sage advice, But, it's easier done when you’re not assaulted, When did defending oneself become “not nice?” I will keep doing all I can to make Soup the best By contributing, encouraging, and doing my part I will promote peace, and while eschewing discord, I will do my best to write from a sincere heart. And, when I am gone, I’ve heard “the clarion call,” Let it be said, “Milt did his best, folks, t-t-that’s all!” written December 19, 2021

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Caren Krutsinger

Date: 12/23/2021 1:21:00 AM

This is sad "Saying my poems are “obscenely dull and reeling,” - I hope this is an exaggeration, because it is not nice. It is rude, and it is mean. I hope all of this nonsense is over now.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 12/23/2021 8:27:00 AM

I do, too, Caren. It has been an unsettling year on the Soup because of a few bad apples. I always try to be upbeat and kind, so when people write nasty rude things I am always surprised...and a bit upset. It is all so unnecessary. Why can't everyone have the kind of relationship on here that we have????

Alexis Y.

Date: 12/21/2021 7:00:00 PM

Hi Milt, What can I say, you are in this position because you are an amazing and outstanding poet that’s all about building up this community. Congratulations on your fine achievment, It was well deserved:-) Alexis

L Milton Hankins
Date: 12/21/2021 7:03:00 PM

Alexis, thank you so much for your kind thoughts.

Bill Baker

Date: 12/21/2021 8:10:00 AM

Finally got some time to read a few poems, tomorrow will be better though. Saw this heartfelt poem and wanted to express the same thoughts many have of you Milt. You are thoughtfull, intelligent a great encourager and friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you through this challenging time. Bless you and your insightful poetry. A friend in Texas, Bill

L Milton Hankins
Date: 12/21/2021 10:26:00 AM

Thanks, Bill. Well, having settled some things in my mind, I think the coming days will be better. You are a good friend, and I truly appreciate you.

Susan Ashley

Date: 12/20/2021 10:53:00 AM

Dear Milton, you express yourself beautifully. Myself, and many here, enjoy your wonderful, thoughtful and thought-provoking poetry. Long may your poetic pen spill inspiring beauty across the creative pages, my friend. Warmest wishes for a joyous and cozy holiday season with you and yours.. ~Susan

L Milton Hankins
Date: 12/20/2021 1:27:00 PM

Thank you so very much, Susan. You are a ray of sunshine in my life. I really appreciate your encouraging and helpful words. I enjoy your poetry so much, so keep writing the good stuff!

John Lawless

Date: 12/20/2021 6:04:00 AM

Milton, if all that could be said about a man or woman is that "they always did their best" then the rest of the list would be unimportant....meaningful but unimportant. KEEP ON TRUCK'IN MILTON

L Milton Hankins
Date: 12/20/2021 8:27:00 AM

Thank you so much for your thoughts, John. I appreciate the comment.

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 12/19/2021 4:50:00 PM

I’m sure you’re accurate when you say: But, it's easier done when you’re not assaulted,/ When did defending oneself become “not nice?”/ Hugs from me and Merry Christmas!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 12/19/2021 7:40:00 PM

Thanks, Kim. Well, I'm just going to try to do my best for what is best for this site, which I love, and so many poets here. I do love Poetry Soup! I really do appreciate your kindness and your support. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and yours, Kim.

Deb M
Date: 12/19/2021 5:06:00 PM

Hi Kim….I think at some time in our life’s we have all experienced unfairness and or being bullied and yes its definitely easier said than done for sure. We all deal differently with life’s situations. Debx

Deb M

Date: 12/19/2021 4:33:00 PM

Milton…it is obvious to me what a likeable decent humorous and sweet kind hearted man you are. In the big picture of your life Milton these people are unimportant The people that know ,love and have your best interests at heart matter! No amount of words will change their opinions of you. Ignoring negative toxic people that ‘want and need’ your attention is a powerful tool as a reaction is exactly what they are after! Blow these people to the wind Milton and watch them disappear Gone! Haha Debx

L Milton Hankins
Date: 12/19/2021 7:38:00 PM

Thanks so much, Deb M. I know this is good advice, and I am doing my best to follow it. Your thoughts and your support mean the world to me. Oh, and I enjoy your poems, too.

Terry Flood

Date: 12/19/2021 3:30:00 PM

You keep going just as you are, Milt. I only wish I could find the time to do half as much as you do. Terry

L Milton Hankins
Date: 12/19/2021 7:37:00 PM

Thanks, Terry. Your thoughts mean a lot to me. I'm so glad you are on this site!

David Mchattie

Date: 12/19/2021 2:18:00 PM

Well said my friend. It's a brave thing to suffer the slings and arrows of those with nothing better to do. Keep up the fine work. But as Elmer Fudd said, 'Sometimes you have to be berry berry careful.'Have a great day.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 12/19/2021 7:37:00 PM

Thank you so much, David. I hear you. I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, too.

Jan Allison

Date: 12/19/2021 1:31:00 PM

So glad you read my tribute Milton and I see you extended the arm of friendship and again have been ignored, so just move on and ignore their petty behaviour Just keep on being supportive, writing your lovely comments and poems:-) hugs Jan xx

L Milton Hankins
Date: 12/19/2021 7:36:00 PM

Thanks so much, Jan. You are a loving, warm-hearted, sweet person, and I appreciate you more than you know. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Tom Cunningham

Date: 12/19/2021 1:27:00 PM

You have many friends on here Milton who admire you as a poet and a gentleman. You encourage others with your comments and write excellent poetry. From what I've seen you have done nothing wrong but offer the hand of friendship and if they turn their backs then it's their loss. Keep doing what you're doing because you do it well. Tom

L Milton Hankins
Date: 12/19/2021 7:35:00 PM

Thanks so much, Tom. You really made my eyes tear up with your affirming and thoughtful comment. That means a lot to me, Tom. I shall continue to do my best to be a good friend, and I'm sure going to work to make Poetry Soup the best it can be. Too bad we're having to deal with a bunch of yahoos and trolls. Unfortunately, as you know, I am not the only one!

Sotto Poet

Date: 12/19/2021 12:17:00 PM

I will keep doing all I can to make Soup the best By contributing, encouraging, and doing my part Fantastic writing, Milt, It's an awful feeling to be despised by people who want to demonize you. Many of us on the Soup admire your poems and comments. So please keep doing what you're doing and put it out of your mind.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 12/19/2021 12:23:00 PM

Thank you so much for your continuing encouragement, Lasaad. Yes, it is "an awful feeling," particularly for one who really tries to be friends with everyone and never, ever wants to think he has hurt anyone's feelings. I think that is the biggest reason why I simply cannot let go!

Jenna Logan

Date: 12/19/2021 11:47:00 AM

Milt, you've chosen your words wisely in this write. Being scorned by those who continue to slander you and your integrity is not something that will allow you to continue turning the other cheek. Love your Porky Pig ending.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 12/19/2021 1:21:00 PM

I agree Jenna, they've had their chance.

Jenna Logan
Date: 12/19/2021 12:45:00 PM

Milt, I have seen your comments that reach out to her/them, and if your extended hand of friendship is rebuked...walk away. People like that are not deserving of your friendship.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 12/19/2021 12:25:00 PM

No, Jenna, I can't seem to turn the other cheek, and I don't know why. I seem to be obsessed with regaining the friendship of those who have been so nasty to me, and I don't know why I would even want it. I don't want to leave this world with a single person angry at me or feeling that I have hurt them someway. This is just who I am! T-t-that's about it!

Ilene Bauer

Date: 12/19/2021 11:47:00 AM

just keep doing what you've been doing, milton! so many of us on the soup appreciate your writing and your comments - as far as those who don't, what i'd like to say about them would be censored by the administration for sure!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 12/19/2021 12:27:00 PM

Aw, Ilene, you are such a good friend to me, and I often see you sitting on that park bench writing. You are always so encouraging and helpful. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you do to make Poetry Soup a wonderful place to hang out!