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Poetry

Poetry reveals, enlightens, consoles Holding reflecting mirrors up to our souls, Showing what we might not otherwise see Suggests how our lives might better be Poetry instructs, refreshes, and amuses, Often fascinates; sometimes confuses. Poetry blends the colors of our experiences Breaks down walls, erects dividing fences, Permits perilous flights into magical fantasy Unravels the mysteries of life’s intricacy, Regales with tales of mystical adventures, Prompts us to embark upon new ventures. Poetry can salvage the wounded spirit Sing harmony for those who will hear it, Filling bland, boring, monotonous pages With soft, sweet whispers or violent rages, Sometimes it reveals an innermost secret Or shares the truth of an unexpected visit. Poetry speaks to the innermost presence Voices reality or delves into the essence, Leaves much room for interpretations, Sometimes making astounding revelations Predicting the future in rhyming couplets, Or separating into parts like small drupelets. Poetry relives the epic stories of the Norse And, always, there is Shakespeare, of course Occasionally putting down the modern idiom While revering the archaic, somber requiem Libraries hold sacred the ancient poetic tomes Lines of fairies, gargoyles, and gnarled gnomes. Poetry demands respect of roaming muses Who spark far-flung ideas the poet uses Harnessing fleeting glimpses of the mind Poetry—literature of its own creative kind From sonnets to haiku to nursery rhymes Penned for people of all climes…and all times. [A modified Sestina sans envoi] written August 26, 2021

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Sotto Poet

Date: 8/27/2021 10:54:00 AM

Milton, It was excellent reading your poem, and I greatly loved it. I am astonished to learn this. I wouldn't have ever dreamed of all the possibilities poetry has to offer. The writing in this is really excellent. I had never heard of a sestina before. You know exactly how to use your words to maximum effect.

Delice Arleen Skelly

Date: 8/26/2021 11:04:00 PM

Milton, just read your offering and enjoyed the piece. This line jumped out at me: Poetry can salvage the wounded spirit Sing harmony for those who will hear it- So very true...Delice

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/27/2021 8:32:00 AM

Thanks, Delice. I think different lines will appeal to different folks. I appreciate your thoughtful and insightful comment. Have a terrific weekend.

Barbara Peckham

Date: 8/26/2021 8:58:00 PM

Wow! This is an amazing revelation. I would never have thought of all the things of which poetry is capable. This is also beautifully written. I didn't know what a sestina was before. You have a fabulous vocabulary and know just how to use it.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/26/2021 9:21:00 PM

Thank you so much for your marvelous compliment. Coming from you they mean so much. I would like to be an accomplished wordsmith some day.

Gershon Wolf

Date: 8/26/2021 6:22:00 PM

Remarkable cornucopia of everything poetry could possibly be. Wow, Milt! A poem for the ages, this. :) gw

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/26/2021 6:51:00 PM

I hope many will read it, Gershon. I tried to cover the waterfront. Thanks for your thoughtful and kind comment. Rarely do I ever write anything this l o n g!