L Milton Hankins Poet Quatrain

Reflections On a Lifetime

I have reached that golden age worth noting
That I am now in a significant minority
Where my opinion is seldom worth quoting,
Even though I’ll soon be a fragment of history.
     
I’ve spent a lifetime trying to solve problems
Most of which were too big for me to handle,
I’m leaving behind some systems and albums
But your generation must light a fresh candle.

Mistakes I bequeath, too many to mention,
Poor choices, decisions, and wrong paths I’ve taken
Though none were plainly my good intention,
Too many times I was dead wrong, sorely mistaken.

So, I implore you, don’t blame me for all your ills
I had my share from the previous generation,
I did my best to mop up their miserable spills
Thought I’d leave you with some good information.

Someday, when you are near the end of your journey,
And you are waxing nostalgic for days of your past
Remember when they load you on that gurney
This lifetime just went entirely too darn fast!

written December 13, 2021

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Caren Krutsinger December 16, 2021 at 6:34 AM I concur with this entire poem especially this part "I’ve spent a lifetime trying to solve problems Most of which were too big for me to handle," L Milton Hankins December 16, 2021 at 8:48 AM Yep, I'm afraid that is true...at least in my case. The next generation is going to have to pick up "the torch," as JFK said.

Tom Cunningham December 13, 2021 at 10:53 AM As we trudge along lifes path we make mistakes but we can write them off as long as we learn from them, your last line is bang on Milton , life whizzes by and seems to gather speed as we get older lol. Tom L Milton Hankins December 13, 2021 at 11:06 AM So very true, Tom. I think you and I have reached this stage where we should just try to enjoy the ride as long as it lasts! Thanks so much for your insightful comment.

Rico Leffanta December 13, 2021 at 10:45 AM Mistakes are opportunities to learn. Back in the early 60s, The Director magazine published a survey where Company Directors stated they made the right decision only 38% of the time. A coin can do better than that! But you are right, as the end speeds up before we get it right! Aloha! L Milton Hankins December 13, 2021 at 11:09 AM Aloha to you, Rico. Interestingly, I was in Hawaii during the early 60s. Mele Kalikimaka! (I hope I spelled that right).