Home » Poems » L Milton Hankins » She Touched My Heart

She Touched My Heart

A sweet little girl, possibly four, maybe five years old Wearing a faded blue dress torn along the seam, Living on the street with her drug-addicted parents No chance at really experiencing the American dream. It was clear she had never known a normal child’s life She seemed perfectly content playing on the street, While uncaring people constantly ignored her folks Pretending not to see the little girl with her dirty feet. She touched my heart although I could do little to help I came back later with sandwiches and a teddy bear They seemed so grateful…yet, I had done so little, I brought a bright blue ribbon for the little girl’s hair. She stood staring at me as I walked slowly away She was still holding the blue ribbon in her dirty hands, She could not see the tears rolling down my cheeks But, I pray the time will come when she understands. NINTH PLACED WINNER written September 4, 2021 for "The One Who Touched My Heart" poetry contest sponsored by Regina McIntosh

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem.

Please Login to post a comment

Beryl Edmonds

Date: 9/14/2021 11:43:00 AM

That little girl would have touched my heart too Milton, a heartfelt write. Congratulations on your win in Regina’s contest… Belle

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/14/2021 7:22:00 PM

Thank you, Belle. I really appreciate your response to my poem.

Paula Goldsmith

Date: 9/14/2021 8:41:00 AM

Congratulations on your win. A "Wonderful" write. So sad it was true. She probably never forgot you. You were her angel. Have a great/blessed day..............

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/14/2021 10:06:00 AM

Thank you so much, Paula. I see I squeaked through! LOL.

Avery Won

Date: 9/14/2021 5:53:00 AM

So sweet and heartfelt, congrats on the placement :)

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/14/2021 10:07:00 AM

Thanks so much for your sweet comment, Avery. I hope all is going better for you.

Christuraj Alex

Date: 9/14/2021 5:08:00 AM

Beautiful quatrain on a little girl who touched your heart. Congratulations!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/14/2021 10:07:00 AM

Thank you, Christuraj.

Regina Mcintosh

Date: 9/14/2021 4:44:00 AM

Beautiful. CONGRATS on this amazing write. Love it. God bless you my friend, Love, Gina

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/14/2021 10:08:00 AM

Thanks, Gina. I enjoyed writing for your contest, and I thank you for my placement.

Delice Arleen Skelly

Date: 9/4/2021 8:58:00 PM

heartfelt entry for the contest...Delice

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/4/2021 9:31:00 PM

Oh, well, contest or no contest, I have often wondered what became of that sweet little child. She would be in her thirties by now!

Tom Cunningham

Date: 9/4/2021 3:58:00 PM

I feel for kids who have parents like that, I can understand why she touched your heart Milton. I hope things turned out well for her. Tom

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/4/2021 5:09:00 PM

Me, too, but I realize they have such a poor chance to rise out of that kind of a situation. Somewhere along the line someone has to give her lots more help than I could on the spur of the moment.

Rob Carmack

Date: 9/4/2021 3:10:00 PM

This does not feel fictional and I am glad you helped them. The human condition is tragic due to our incredible propensity for corruption on all levels. Good luck in the contest.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/4/2021 3:14:00 PM

Rob, I hesitated to enter this poem because the family was not a relative, friend, or co-worker, as Regina suggested, but she certainly touched my heart, and I will never forget her. I often wonder what became of her. Thanks for your thoughts, Rob. I appreciate them.