L Milton Hankins Poet Blank verse

On How Poets Grow

Poets grow learning basic forms of poetry
Exploring them using both free verse and rhyme,
Employing basic rules of structure and grammar clear
Selecting themes that resonate in their reader's mind.

The best poems will come from the poet’s inner soul
Helping their readers to gain a new appreciation
Of whatever the theme or subject may be; and rarely
I think, focusing on personal vendettas or from spite.

Young poets, you can describe a virtue in a novel way
Write a compelling verse about some thing you saw,
Something that none of us has ever seen or heard
You can give us something beautiful to think about.

I promise, beginning poet, you have many things to say
Which are descriptive, meditative, novel, or provoking
You can convey to us, your readers, in simplest of terms
And we will continue reading you with utter glee.

written December 6, 2021
[This poem was inspired by a recent poem
written by PS poetess, Panagiota Ramios]

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Caren Krutsinger December 8, 2021 at 8:34 AM Nicely penned Hank. Bravo to you! L Milton Hankins December 8, 2021 at 11:51 AM Caren, thank you. I thought we all could use a little boost, and particularly our younger poets.

Christopher Flaherty December 7, 2021 at 2:31 PM Correct L.M.H true the very best poems do come from the heart and inner soul agreed L Milton Hankins December 7, 2021 at 3:09 PM Thanks so much, Christopher. How nice to see you comment on my poem. I really appreciate it.

John Lawless December 7, 2021 at 10:13 AM Over the years I have "grown" while being patted on the back and at other times when the inspiration was applied a bit lower on the anatomy. Nice write Milton. L Milton Hankins December 7, 2021 at 11:02 AM Thanks, John. That certainly was my experience, too.

Sotto Poet December 7, 2021 at 6:52 AM This is a magnificent piece of work! Milton.With an incredibly optimistic message. Sovereign feelings drive those who write favorably, and it is fantastic if they are endowed and eager to share their work. I hope to accomplish something innovative with you and write a poem with your extensive collaboration. L Milton Hankins December 7, 2021 at 11:03 AM Thanks, Lasaad. I really appreciate your confidence in me and your thoughtful comment. I'm not much one for collaboration, actually, but it's nice of you to consider me worthy.

Mark Koplin December 7, 2021 at 6:10 AM A very positive message Milt! We seem to get poets who stand on their soap box preaching how good they are in one sentence and then name calling in the next. Wonderful write! Mark Koplin December 7, 2021 at 3:45 PM Some of that fruit is getting old and bitter L Milton Hankins December 7, 2021 at 11:05 AM Thanks, Mark. Yep, that seems to be the case with some of our poets here on Soup. And, I think we must begin to call them out on it, frankly. This is such a good site; I hope we can keep it so, remembering that every crate has at least one or two bad oranges!

Mike Gentile December 7, 2021 at 5:18 AM I agree Milton, The best writes are inspired by deep feelings and if one is willing and able to share, it's wonderful! A lovely tribute to poets!! L Milton Hankins December 7, 2021 at 11:06 AM Thank you, Mike. I couldn't agree more. I love discovered a new, younger poet who is just trying to find their niche. It is so refreshing.

Jenna Logan December 6, 2021 at 4:48 PM Dear Milt, how wise you are to give honest ways in which a poet can mature in their writing ability. You don't compare them to a mindless macaw or a dull sofa cover. Geeze, what kind of pretentious drivel is that? It's the kind that comes from a personal vendetta and a spiteful mind. Constructive criticism and encouragement, as you mention, is the way to enlightenment as a poet. Thank goodness your heart is noble, and rights the wrong advice offered by one who resonates negativity. Thanks! Jenna Logan December 6, 2021 at 5:58 PM A disarmament...removing live ammo(ink)from a weapon(pen) and proving it to be a dud(filled with water). Yep. I knew sooner rather than later she'd force you to name her, and now it's done. She's been calling a lot of us rude names for some time. L Milton Hankins December 6, 2021 at 5:52 PM Thanks so much, Jenna. I just had to "respond" in a positive way to her negativity and obviously barbs. But, I wanted it to be positive, educational, and linked to her, which is why I gave the note beneath my poem, and why I put in the one line about writing out of vendetta and spite. You got it, girl! If she stays, then we have to do this sort of thing to, at least, try to get around her nastiness and poor excuse for writing. Period!

Jeannie Cronin December 6, 2021 at 3:56 PM Very encouraging, well done! L Milton Hankins December 6, 2021 at 5:52 PM Thanks so much, Jeannie. I so appreciate your thoughts and your encouragement.

Bill Baker December 6, 2021 at 3:55 PM Nice message Milt. I just sent you soup mail. A message came up when I hit sent that said too long. I assume it did not send. I broke msg inti Part 1 and Part 2 and resent. Sorry if you got the first one also. Bill L Milton Hankins December 6, 2021 at 5:54 PM I did, Bill, so I was able to read the whole thing in one missal. Thanks so much. So enjoyed learning about what you and Sara are up to. I'll write again soon. The first part of my week is tied up with doctor's appointments, etc., etc., etc.