L Milton Hankins | + Follow Poet |
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Respect Is a Two-Way Street

Whatever the color of your skin, 
Whatever religious group you are in, 
Whatever political party floats your boat, 
What you think, or for whom you vote, 
I can respect your right to be 
If you give the same respect to me. 

Do not label me what I may not be 
From what I write, you cannot “know” me 
I do not expect you to like everything I write, 
If so, just click your mouse, do not start a fight. 

I can respect your right to be 
If you give the same respect to me. 

I do not come to Poetry Soup 
To find a particular like-minded group. 
Not looking for somebody out to fight, 
I come to share some poems I write. 

I can respect your right to be 
If you give the same respect to me. 

I enjoy, too, reading the rhymes you post 
I love to read the narrative stories most 
Ideas, yes, I enjoy reading them, too, 
But do not expect me to join your queue. 

Whatever the color of your skin, 
Whatever religious group you are in, 
Whatever political party floats your boat, 
What you think, or for whom you vote. 
I can respect your right to be 
If you give the same respect to me. 

 
[Sometimes it takes repetition to get 
 one’s point across.]

Copyright © L Milton Hankins | Year Posted 2021

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Regina Mcintosh Date: 3/5/2021 5:25:00 AM Love this... I just write whatever happens to come to mind at the time... I always post different poems on different subjects... I don't even know who I'm writing for (hmm... maybe I should)... Enjoyed this. God bless you richly. Love, Gina Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 3/5/2021 8:49:00 AM Thanks, Gina. That's pretty much my approach. I write a good many poems based on ideas for the contests, which I enjoy entering. I also enjoy experimenting with the different poetry poems, as anyone can tell by looking at my list.

Maurice Rigoler Date: 3/5/2021 1:45:00 AM I don't post everything I write, especially very long poems with themes most Soupers wouldn't read anyway. Like you, I don't write for any particular group. Neither do I respond to every Souper who reads me, though I do have favorites I consistently read and they me. The more I read your poems the more I'm drawn to them and your style. Keep writing. / Maurice Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 3/5/2021 8:47:00 AM Aw, thanks, Maurice. Your words mean a lot to me. I don't know what my "style" is, but I just write what my mind puts out there through my fingers. LOL I read most of your more recent poems, I think. You have a fine way with words!

Carolyn Devonshire Date: 3/4/2021 7:57:00 AM It's the lack of mutual respect that seems to have triggered violence. Here at Soup, we only know what you care to share about yourself. We should all live by the words you wrote here. Hugs, Carolyn Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 3/4/2021 10:37:00 AM Wow, such a wonderful thing to say. Every time someone says something exceptionally nice to me about my poetry it spurs me on to write more and more. Thanks, Carolyn, you'll never know how much your encouragement means to me. So, let me tell you....... Carolyn Devonshire Date: 3/4/2021 10:27:00 AM I think we will be moving toward a more compassionate world as soon as the pandemic ends. Your poetry is a breath of fresh air for me! L Milton Hankins Date: 3/4/2021 9:05:00 AM Thanks, Carolyn. I so agree with "we should all live by the words you wrote here." Made me feel like the poem was worthwhile and contributes to clarity and better understanding between Soupers! Again, thanks.

Alexis Y. Date: 3/4/2021 5:46:00 AM WoW! L Milton, I agree with this poem in its entirety. Respect is two-way street; in order to get respect, you have to give it. Poetry Soup is a poetry site; we should be respectful to our fellow poets, period. Your repetitive lines add more impact to what you wrote.Thanks for sharing such a lyric.Have a great day:-) Alexis Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 3/4/2021 9:03:00 AM Goodness..."I agree with this poem in its entirety." Not often do I get that kind of support. Thanks a zillion, Alexis.

Jenna Logan Date: 3/4/2021 1:53:00 AM Sometimes it takes a tragedy to happen before some people can see the truth, and even then....some still pretend to be blind. Your repetitive lines are points to be taken seriously. Nicely written, M L. Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 3/4/2021 9:03:00 AM Oh, how right you are, Jenna. Well, I hope all Soupers will take me at my word! Thanks.

Harry Horsman Date: 3/4/2021 1:25:00 AM Poetry for today, and everyday, Milton straight to the point one cannot argue with that. Love the poem the theme, flow and rhyme. Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 3/4/2021 9:02:00 AM Harry, thanks. I do enjoy the opportunity to read poems from all over here, different themes, different forms, and I particularly enjoy trying new forms through the contest format. Again, thanks.

J. Summers Date: 3/3/2021 10:13:00 PM Well said, and yes, sometimes it takes repetition. I especially liked the repetition of the first and last verse...works very well in this poem. John Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 3/4/2021 9:01:00 AM Thanks, J. I appreciate your comment.