L Milton Hankins | + Follow Poet |
Free verse | + Fav Poem | Comment | Email | Print |

On the Brink of Tranquility

I stand on the brink of tranquility
A short distance from out-of-touch,
Surrounded by chaotic disapproval
All around me swirling in confusion,
Wondering whether truth has died--
[sacrificed on the altar of popularity]
When it was irreverently interred;
What it left for the next generation.

And did I let it die a tortuous death
Unwilling was I to shout it out loud,
Facing down jeering of the crowd?
‘Twas easier to retreat into myself,
And deny the current state of affairs.

written November 26, 2021

Please Login to post a comment

Caren Krutsinger Date: 11/28/2021 7:12:00 PM "[sacrificed on the altar of popularity]" - as usual! Wonderful poem, and this made incredible sense. Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 11/28/2021 7:25:00 PM I'm afraid it is all too true, Caren. How often we sit on the fence when we ought to speak our mind for what is right and good and not succumb to the chaos around us.

Gershon Wolf Date: 11/27/2021 6:36:00 PM I say, leave the battle to the 20 - 40 somethings. We've fought our wars. Ours is to savor at this point... One proviso: Unless our family members are directly involved. Then -- no rest for the weary. Great penning, my friend. Have a blessed Sunday! ~ Gershon Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 11/27/2021 7:29:00 PM Thanks so much, Gershon. I couldn't have said it better. You have a terrific week, friend.

Bill Baker Date: 11/27/2021 7:24:00 AM Very thought provoking poem. There's a fine line between mindful inactivity and retreat. Much to think about here. Thanks for sharing your thoughts Milt. A poet friend, Bill Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 11/27/2021 8:38:00 AM Thank you so much, Bill. I appreciated your comment. I'm working on my next communique with you. Hope you're having a fine, fine weekend!