L Milton Hankins Poet Rhyme

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 September 17, 2021 at 8:55 AM Congratulations on your win! Another excellent poem. Growing up is hard. Adulting is harder. L Milton Hankins September 17, 2021 at 4:09 PM I would have to agree with that, Linda. I'll take adulthood, though, with all of its ups and downs!

Joanna Daniel September 14, 2021 at 3:12 AM Brilliant spirit of a child you possess, Milton, congrats on trophy win:) well deserved:) L Milton Hankins September 14, 2021 at 10:14 AM Thank you so very much, Jo. How nice to read your positive and thoughtful comment.

Beata Agustin September 13, 2021 at 7:37 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 September 14, 2021 at 10:15 AM Thank, Beata. He must have been a fine, fine gentleman.

David Kavanagh September 13, 2021 at 2:05 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 September 13, 2021 at 2:39 PM Thanks so much, David. I'm glad you liked the poem.

Regina Mcintosh September 13, 2021 at 12:36 PM Awesome win... Congrats and God bless you always, Love, Gina L Milton Hankins September 13, 2021 at 2:39 PM Thank you so much, Gina. I appreciate your comment.

Constance La France September 13, 2021 at 12:19 PM Milt, wonderful, and congratulations on your First Place trophy win in Chantelle's contest, well done ~ peace and tranquility _Constance L Milton Hankins September 13, 2021 at 2:41 PM Thank you so much, Constance. Those trophies are few and far between, so I really treasure them.

Curtis Johnson September 13, 2021 at 12:01 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 September 13, 2021 at 2:42 PM Thanks, Curtis. I was rather surprised myself.

Mike Gentile September 13, 2021 at 11:26 AM Congrats on your top placement Milton! Well deserved! Inspiring is your poem and I could not agree with you more!! L Milton Hankins September 13, 2021 at 2:43 PM Mike, thank you so much for your comment and your affirmation.

Sam Kauffman September 13, 2021 at 11:26 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 September 13, 2021 at 2:44 PM Thanks so much for your thoughts, Sam. I'm glad you enjoyed the poem.

Unseeking Seeker September 13, 2021 at 8:47 AM That’s the spirit! Keep the inner child joyful & playful! Congrats on your top win, Milton! L Milton Hankins September 13, 2021 at 10:15 AM Thank you so much, Unseeking Seeker. It is so gratifying.

Subimal Sinha-Roy September 13, 2021 at 8:29 AM Congratulations, Milton. You have echoed my feelings. L Milton Hankins September 13, 2021 at 10:16 AM Thanks, Subimal. I appreciate your thoughts.

Tom Cunningham September 13, 2021 at 8:26 AM Back with congratulations Milton on your trophy win. Now go and climb a tree or something lol Tom L Milton Hankins September 13, 2021 at 10:16 AM Sounds like a good idea to me, Tom, but my dogwood is just to small and sick-looking to climb!

Krish Radhakrishna September 3, 2021 at 12:31 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 September 3, 2021 at 1:06 PM Thank you so much, Krish. I always appreciate reading your insightful comments and your encouragement.

Caren Krutsinger September 3, 2021 at 10:46 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 September 3, 2021 at 11:07 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.

Gershon Wolf September 1, 2021 at 5:11 PM Keep fighting, my friend. ~ Gershon L Milton Hankins September 1, 2021 at 6:09 PM You too, Gershon. I suppose someday we'll be kids together somewhere.

Regina Mcintosh September 1, 2021 at 11:39 AM Wow!!! Awesome and encouraging. I love it! God bless you and don't ever grow up ! Love, Gina L Milton Hankins September 1, 2021 at 12:59 PM Thank you, Regina. I guess I'm a bit like Peter Pan.

Nancy Kaufman September 1, 2021 at 10:10 AM It is the right attitude Mr. Milton, as they say "growing old is not for sissy's". L Milton Hankins September 1, 2021 at 12:59 PM Oh, and how true that is, Nancy. Thanks so much for your read and your affirmation.

Tom Cunningham August 31, 2021 at 2:51 PM Think young stay young, that's the motto I live by. Tom PS. Grown ups are boring lol. Tom Cunningham August 31, 2021 at 8:51 PM Lol, we're not in that category, well not yet. L Milton Hankins August 31, 2021 at 3:50 PM Yep, for the most part...of course, not you or me, right?

Mohamed Omar August 31, 2021 at 1:27 PM All I can say ,you are awesome poet. THANKS in capital .. L Milton Hankins August 31, 2021 at 3:50 PM Ah, how thoughtful. Thanks, Mohamed. I'll keep trying and maybe one day I'll succeed!