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Out of Contact

We were best buddies in the early sixties Served in the military service together We were discharged and went separate ways Each married, went to college, had kids But we always stayed in touch, and, Occasionally, over the years we visited Back and forth with sporadic periods Out of contact. Then, we both lost our wives of many years Our children grown and gone Finding ourselves alone and lonely He has been here in my home for two weeks We have reminisced about better times He tells me when he goes home It will be all downhill from there on I suppose his son will tell me when he is Out of contact. written September 24, 2021 for "Relationships" Poetry Contest sponsored by Robert James Ligouri

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Caren Krutsinger

Date: 9/27/2021 9:48:00 PM

I hope this is a real story! I can only imagine the joy of having a good lifelong friend coming to stay for two weeks! I am uplifted by the thought.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/28/2021 8:19:00 AM

Yes, it is a true story. Sandy was here with me for the past two weeks, then he left on Saturday morning. I think he was homesick. I enjoyed his visit, although it was rather confining. He is not well. I felt like I had to entertain him and it took time from my usual pursuits. But, all in all, it was wonderful.

Gary Radice

Date: 9/25/2021 6:57:00 AM

I read your achingly poignant poem Milt and I was reminded of Walt Whitman's words about old age: "..The estuary that enlarges and spreads itself grandly as it pours into the Great Sea" I'm sure it has many interpretations but I like to think he was talking about memories and life experiences. It's lovely that, at least, you have been able to share these together. Cheers - Gary

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/25/2021 8:30:00 AM

Thanks so much, Gary. If he feels these are his last days, I am so honored that he wants to spend some of them with me. I love your interpretation of Whitman's words. I think you are right on target.

Shirley Hawkins

Date: 9/25/2021 12:51:00 AM

Oh dear, I hope it's a long time before you hear from friends son. We oldies should be thankful we have reached the age we are. Poor man feels lost without his wife. Sad but true we all wear out as we age, perhaps that's what he meant.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/25/2021 10:06:00 AM

I hope so. He left this morning on his way back to Mississippi. I watched him go down my walkway, and he seems so frail. It's a long drive, so I'll be worried until I hear from him. We had a wonderful two-week visit.

Jan Allison

Date: 9/24/2021 3:17:00 PM

such a touching piece Milton, so glad you got time to enjoy each others company , to reminisce about the past. The final 4 lines brought a huge lump to my throat. excellent poetry Milton:-) hugs Jan xx

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/24/2021 5:41:00 PM

Jan, thank you so much. I so appreciated your thoughtful comment.

Mike Gentile

Date: 9/24/2021 12:09:00 PM

Wow what an impactful title, Milton I share similar experiences and I try very hard to keep in touch! A very real poem and one that I enjoyed very much ! Good Luck!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/24/2021 2:14:00 PM

Mike, thank you so much. I have friends from high school, but this one is probably the closest. A good relationship cultivated at just the right pace over the years. I'm glad I can be there for him in his last years.

Rico Leffanta

Date: 9/24/2021 11:21:00 AM

Our Christmas Card list went with the wife to a better place . . .

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/24/2021 2:15:00 PM

Well, my wife and I gave up the Christmas card tradition long before she died. It was getting just too expensive, I mean, the postage. And, we no longer felt like we needed the aggravation.

Joe Dimino

Date: 9/24/2021 11:06:00 AM

Sad to hear that you have lost your wife -- probably your best friend as well, as is mine; nice that you and your army buddy can console one another. Amazing that you can rise above, write such fine poetry, and be so caring as to seem more concerned with the welfare of others than that of self. Rare and admirable qualities. Blessings my friend.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/24/2021 2:16:00 PM

Thanks so much for your thoughtful response to my poem, Joe. I really appreciated the time you took to respond in a positive, encouraging way. You are very kind.

Tom Cunningham

Date: 9/24/2021 10:27:00 AM

You were lucky to have such a long friendship Milton and I hope it continues for many more years to come. Tom

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/24/2021 2:20:00 PM

Me, too, Tom. Interestingly, he's a year younger than me, but hasn't taken care of himself as well as I have, and so I'm afraid his health will continue to deteriorate rapidly. I take care of myself and, in addition, I have excellent medical care through the Veteran's Administration. I'm afraid he has let his mental attitude affect his physical well-being. I, on the other hand, believe we are only as old as we feel, and we must not allow ourselves to "go downhill."