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The Boy Inside Me

I have never lost my zest for fun and laughter Though long since I could jump a rope Still enjoy the punchline remembered after I have forgotten the story leading up to it Down deep inside is this little boy Who tells the old man, “It’s time to sit!” I have often sought from that child advice When new, fresher approaches are needed My inner child seldom pauses to think twice. I have never hesitated to thoughtfully resort To that little boy inside who never grew up Who loves the fun and games of a sport. I have that appreciation for a kitten or a pup Love to play in the meadow’s creek, and though Nearly eighty, fight like the dickens to never grow up! FIRST PLACE TROPHY WINNER written August 31, 2021 especially for "Your Inner Child" Poetry Contest sponsored by Chantelle Anne Cooke

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Linda Craddick

Date: 9/17/2021 8:55:00 AM

Congratulations on your win! Another excellent poem. Growing up is hard. Adulting is harder.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/17/2021 4:09:00 PM

I would have to agree with that, Linda. I'll take adulthood, though, with all of its ups and downs!

Joanna Daniel

Date: 9/14/2021 3:12:00 AM

Brilliant spirit of a child you possess, Milton, congrats on trophy win:) well deserved:)

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

Thank you so very much, Jo. How nice to read your positive and thoughtful comment.

Beata Agustin

Date: 9/13/2021 7:37:00 PM

Wow! Congrats! Thanks for sharing this... making me miss my Dad, "whose boy inside him" kept delighting us. (He's now in heaven). God bless you.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/14/2021 10:15:00 AM

Thank, Beata. He must have been a fine, fine gentleman.

David Kavanagh

Date: 9/13/2021 2:05:00 PM

Stand alone winner Milton, I think this one hits all the right spots, your young at heart, and your mind is fresh, brilliant poem, congratulations cheers David

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/13/2021 2:39:00 PM

Thanks so much, David. I'm glad you liked the poem.

Regina Mcintosh

Date: 9/13/2021 12:36:00 PM

Awesome win... Congrats and God bless you always, Love, Gina

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/13/2021 2:39:00 PM

Thank you so much, Gina. I appreciate your comment.

Constance La France

Date: 9/13/2021 12:19:00 PM

Milt, wonderful, and congratulations on your First Place trophy win in Chantelle's contest, well done ~ peace and tranquility _Constance

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/13/2021 2:41:00 PM

Thank you so much, Constance. Those trophies are few and far between, so I really treasure them.

Curtis Johnson

Date: 9/13/2021 12:01:00 PM

Congrats on your top placement. This is very good work. Trusted advice from the child in you. I did not see that coming. Blessings.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/13/2021 2:42:00 PM

Thanks, Curtis. I was rather surprised myself.

Sam Kauffman

Date: 9/13/2021 11:26:00 AM

Congratulations on your trophy win Milt! Always a little kid at heart. Reminds me of the song from Peter Pan - "I Won't Grow Up." My theme song too. Have often thought our bodies age and change but out spirit is ever young - and our souls never age!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/13/2021 2:44:00 PM

Thanks so much for your thoughts, Sam. I'm glad you enjoyed the poem.

Mike Gentile

Date: 9/13/2021 11:26:00 AM

Congrats on your top placement Milton! Well deserved! Inspiring is your poem and I could not agree with you more!!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/13/2021 2:43:00 PM

Mike, thank you so much for your comment and your affirmation.

Unseeking Seeker

Date: 9/13/2021 8:47:00 AM

That’s the spirit! Keep the inner child joyful & playful! Congrats on your top win, Milton!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/13/2021 10:15:00 AM

Thank you so much, Unseeking Seeker. It is so gratifying.

Subimal Sinha-Roy

Date: 9/13/2021 8:29:00 AM

Congratulations, Milton. You have echoed my feelings.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/13/2021 10:16:00 AM

Thanks, Subimal. I appreciate your thoughts.

Tom Cunningham

Date: 9/13/2021 8:26:00 AM

Back with congratulations Milton on your trophy win. Now go and climb a tree or something lol Tom

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/13/2021 10:16:00 AM

Sounds like a good idea to me, Tom, but my dogwood is just to small and sick-looking to climb!

Krish Radhakrishna

Date: 9/3/2021 12:31:00 PM

Milton, you speak for many of us! I am 62 and have a way to go before 80 but that child in me is as young as I have known him! I like this stanza most I have forgotten the story leading up to it Down deep inside is this little boy Who tells the old man, “It’s time to sit!” well done! all the best in the contest!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/3/2021 1:06:00 PM

Thank you so much, Krish. I always appreciate reading your insightful comments and your encouragement.

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 9/3/2021 10:46:00 AM

I am glad that your inner child and my inner child have never met in person; I doubt we could hold on to their leashes!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/3/2021 11:07:00 AM

I'm so glad, too. If we had been children together, we would have had such fun! We probably would have hated each other, but we would have been buddies, in the long run.