L Milton Hankins Poet Rhyme

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

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

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

Richard Lamoureux April 25, 2021 at 9:18 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) L Milton Hankins April 25, 2021 at 10:26 AM Richard, thank you so much for your comment. Yes, I think we all want our last thoughts to be peaceful ones.

Emile Pinet April 25, 2021 at 8:38 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. L Milton Hankins April 25, 2021 at 10:25 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 April 24, 2021 at 9:00 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. L Milton Hankins April 25, 2021 at 7:58 AM That is so true, Evelyn. Thanks for reading my poem and commenting.

Robert Pettit April 24, 2021 at 7:17 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. L Milton Hankins April 24, 2021 at 7:28 PM So true, Robert. So true.

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

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

Mystic Rose Rose April 24, 2021 at 2:51 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, L Milton Hankins April 24, 2021 at 6:22 PM Thanks so much, Mystic Rose Rose. I appreciated your thoughts.