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Original Best Poet Poem

I enjoy reading through the New Poems List
Skipping only those who’ve proven a waste
Naming even ten, so many would be missed
I could never perform this exercise posthaste.

Skipping only those who’ve proven a waste
I find gems in the poetry of at least thirty-three
Some of the best are naughty, others chaste,
Occasionally I find one worthy of a grand prix.

I find gems in the poetry of at least thirty-three
I faithfully read every single poem they write,
Occasionally I find one worthy of a grand prix
If I listed three, I’d be certain to provoke a fight.

I faithfully read every single poem they write,
Genuinely impressed and moved by so many
If I listed three, I’d be certain to provoke a fight
For poets are a sensitive group, we’ve a-plenty.

Genuinely impressed and moved by so many
Naming even ten, so many would be missed
For poets are a sensitive group, we’ve a-plenty,
I enjoy reading through the New Poems List. 

Written December 3, 2022
[Original version before it was
modified to fit three-stanza
requirement for contest.]

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Caren Krutsinger Date: 12/6/2022 11:09:00 PM "If I listed three, I’d be certain to provoke a fight For poets are a sensitive group, we’ve a-plenty. " hilarious but maybe true! Login to Reply

Sara Kendrick Date: 12/5/2022 1:49:00 PM Good that you enjoyed reading through the new poem list. Sara Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 12/5/2022 4:10:00 PM I do, Sara. Thanks so much.

Malabika Ray Choudhury Date: 12/5/2022 11:02:00 AM Your poem is honest, and very true. I read poems from new poems list, whenever I can - themes and titles usually attract me. My presence at this site is not very long,,,but I have read fantastic poems from wonderful people, who I didn't know before. I have received excellent, positive, supportive comments from many members. For me too, not possible to choose three poets. I am definitely interested to see how others handle the challenge! Warm wishes ~ Mala Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 12/5/2022 11:52:00 AM Ah, Mala...such a sensible and thoughtful way to look at the suggestion to pick three "bests" or favorites. I simply could not do...ever. This site is full of excellent writers and poets, in my humble opinion. You, among them!

Tom Cunningham Date: 12/4/2022 2:42:00 PM There's so many excellent poets on here I couldn't just name three. Folks are so touchy too, wrote a poem once about a barbecue for a contest and put in as many names as I could think of, it was just a bit of fun but you wouldn't believe the comments I got, why did leave me out? , have I upset you? Even got soupmails. Never again. You live and learn. Tom Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 12/4/2022 2:49:00 PM I wrote one time about making a Poetry Soup and mentioned names. Fortunately, I did not hear from anyone, but I was lucky. I'll never do it again. It was a very risky thing to do, and I didn't use good judgment in doing it. Thanks, Tom.

Ilene Bauer Date: 12/4/2022 12:09:00 PM a very diplomatic description of those poets whose work you read, milton! i also read through the new poems list every day and mostly read the work of those dependable poets i've come to know, occasionally trying someone new. Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 12/4/2022 1:05:00 PM Yep, that's how I do it, too, Ilene. Occasionally I get recommendations from friends, too, so I check out those poets. I wouldn't have time to read EVERY poem on the list, so I've sorted out those whom I know, from experience, right garbage. I suspect you've done the same.

Anne-Lise Andresen Date: 12/4/2022 10:58:00 AM - Lovely written, Milton ... I deleted my entry to the contest ... sponsor wants name (see blog) ... I don't feel like using name to please 1-3 people ... I think about everyone who will be disappointed ... (don't like this contest) - hugs Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 12/4/2022 11:14:00 AM I agree with you wholeheartedly, Sunshine. I think I adequately expressed my feelings about it, too. I can't see myself listing three names and hurting many of my Soup friends. Besides, I can't even begin to narrow it down to three people. You took the right approach, and I commend you for it. Obviously, I don't like this contest either.