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Speak To Me of Love

Please speak to me of love in gentle tone, That I may recall her voice in your inflections Never were her words shrill or monotone, But sweet like honey-frosted confections, She spoke to me with love and sincerity In phrases coming from her introspections. She and I conversed in contented solidarity I so miss those times of sharing intentions, When together we searched for our verity. And, sometimes, we cast aside conventions Speaking in intimate terms only we knew We were our sole-partnered redemptions. Once again I yearn to hear her words so true. SECOND PLACE WINNER Written July 5, 2022 Submitted to "The Meaning of Love" poetry contest Sponsored by Anoucheka Gangabissoon

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Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 8/27/2022 8:16:00 PM

This poem warms the heart Milt. They never really leave us do they? They are in our thoughts so much and so many things bring back memories. A lovely winning entry my friend. Congratulations on your wonderful second place win. Blessings xxoo

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/27/2022 8:44:00 PM

You are so right, Connie. No, they never leave us, and I have found it enormously helpful to me to come to this way of thinking.

I Am Anaya

Date: 8/27/2022 11:52:00 AM

I noticed that you refer to your wife in many of your poems. It's clear that your mutual love for each other is enduring. Congratulations on your placement! Bless you both ~I Am Anaya

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/27/2022 12:32:00 PM

Thank you so much, Anaya. Yes, she meant the world to me. We were married for 35 marvelous years.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 7/6/2022 11:17:00 AM

I read below how you lost your wife 4 years ago. So sorry for your loss.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/6/2022 11:42:00 AM

Yes, Andrea, after thirty-five years of wonderful marriage, Deborah died a few days before Thanksgiving, 2018. Obviously, I still greatly miss her.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 7/6/2022 11:16:00 AM

I really like your example of terza rima. I do recall trying it a few times in the past. I am noticing you do not use consistent syllable count, so I am guessing there is no rule on syllables. Good to know! Beautiful poetry.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/27/2022 12:33:00 PM

I couldn't agree more!

Andrea Dietrich
Date: 7/8/2022 8:54:00 AM

I agree. Certain forms DO require it, but even the lines of Shakespeare's sonnets were sometimes off by a few syllables. I read one of his sonnets that had 8 or 9 syllable lines mixed in with 11 and 12!! It's all about the flow and the ultimate smoothness of the read.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/6/2022 11:45:00 AM

You are correct, Andrea. There is no rule on syllable, as far as I know, in terza rima and, I like that. I absolutely despise syllable-counting and find it so cumbersome to good poetry! Just my opinion.... Thanks so much for your kind words on my example.

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 7/6/2022 2:06:00 AM

So beautifully said, Deb is reading this one from her catbird seat.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/27/2022 12:34:00 PM

Thanks so much, Caren. I do believe so.

Michael Tor

Date: 7/5/2022 4:02:00 PM

Lovely piece Milton, a special lady. It is great when everything clicks between two people. Have fun today.

Michael Tor
Date: 7/5/2022 8:00:00 PM

Im sorry for your loss Milton. I know she was special to have 35 years of marriage. Im sure Thanksgiving time is an emotional time for you. Thank you for sharing...

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/5/2022 5:54:00 PM

I refer to Deb in many of my poems, or they were inspired by her. We were married for 35 years. She died a few days before Thanksgiving 2018.

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 7/5/2022 10:12:00 AM

This sentiment is very beautiful Milton. I hope you enjoyed The Fourth of July celebrations. Blessings xxoo

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/5/2022 10:27:00 AM

Thank you so much, Connie. I really am glad to see you feeling like commenting here on the Soup.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 7/5/2022 9:39:00 AM

This is so beautiful, Milt. a picture of poignancy.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/5/2022 10:27:00 AM

Thank you so much, Andrea. I hope you had a marvelous Independence Day holiday.