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Our Last Thoughts

Last thoughts come before our final breath unexpected
Expressions of regret, sometimes heartfelt goodbyes,
A sincere apology on the lips of the dying detected
More likely words uttered in pain, as horrifying cries.
Sudden thoughts upon which one has long reflected
Others, not giving a second thought, most intentional lies,
Truth be known, we cannot know another’s final thoughts--
The last hopefully sensible thing they say before one dies.
It certainly behooves us to watch every word we say
For the last thought we speak is sending us away.

Ranked #55 on Best New Poems on Poetry Soup
May 23, 2021

Written April 24, 2021
For "Our Last Thoughts" Poetry Contest
sponsored by Unseeking Seeker

Copyright © L Milton Hankins | Year Posted 2021

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Caren Krutsinger Date: 4/26/2021 7:50:00 AM This is what makes last thoughts sacred "Truth be known, we cannot know another’s final thoughts-" Well done! Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 4/26/2021 9:35:00 AM Thanks, Caren. I always appreciate your read.

Judy Ball Date: 4/25/2021 10:12:00 AM WoW Milton. Great advice and a fave for me. Love the wisdom in these words. Great job. God Bless, JB Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 4/25/2021 10:27:00 AM Judy, I'm so happy you enjoyed this poem. Thanks so much for your lovely comment.

Richard Lamoureux Date: 4/25/2021 9:18:00 AM I hope my last thoughts are peaceful ones. This piece does cause one to think. Start with the end in mind comes to mind. ;0) Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 4/25/2021 10:26:00 AM Richard, thank you so much for your comment. Yes, I think we all want our last thoughts to be peaceful ones.

Emile Pinet Date: 4/25/2021 8:38:00 AM Thoughts, are like opinions, everyone has one and is dying to express their latest, if it is their last, well that is yet to be determined by faith, good work my friend, Emile. Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 4/25/2021 10:25:00 AM Thanks, Emile. I just read your recent poem and was really moved by it. It really struck home. I appreciate your stopping by here and reading my poem.

Evelyn Judy Buehler Date: 4/24/2021 9:00:00 PM I especially like the last two lines of this fine poem. Last words tend to be remembered, so they should be chosen wisely. Since one can't know which words will be the last, one should always choose their words carefully. Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 4/25/2021 7:58:00 AM That is so true, Evelyn. Thanks for reading my poem and commenting.

Robert Pettit Date: 4/24/2021 7:17:00 PM It's good advice to think of the possible consequences before words are spoken. Impetuous speech has been harmful to many; especially in radio and television. Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 4/24/2021 7:28:00 PM So true, Robert. So true.

Caren Krutsinger Date: 4/24/2021 6:41:00 PM Great advice. I caution my students to think before the words come out “will it help someone or will it hurt someone?” Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 4/24/2021 6:43:00 PM Yes, it is so important...the way we use words. Whether speaking or writing, too.

Andrea Dietrich Date: 4/24/2021 4:07:00 PM wow, I love how you did your last thoughts poem, Milt. Exceptional work! Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 4/24/2021 6:22:00 PM Thanks, Andrea. I don't know how "exceptional," but a good try!

Mystic Rose Rose Date: 4/24/2021 2:51:00 PM Our thoughts can be so powerful, and when we speak our thoughts they can heal or they can destroy, your poetry makes me think, and makes me realize how important it is to think our thoughts clearly and express them even more clearly, Well done Milton, gl in the contest, Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 4/24/2021 6:22:00 PM Thanks so much, Mystic Rose Rose. I appreciated your thoughts.