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The Land of Poppycock

A nether world of pirates, pixies, and palaces
No passport needed in the land of poppycock
A rich imagination swirling about in one’s head
The pink unicorn, a chip off its father’s old block
Peaceful creatures living together without fear
Where streets are forever marshmallow white
The seasons come and go without repetition
And when something’s done, it’s done right.

A nether world of pirates, pixies, and palaces
No need to scale a brick wall to gain admission
Lots of polka-dotted elephants to ride to and fro
Entrance to everything is ticket-free, no permission,
Whatever you want to try is available for a wish
Skills are welcomed, maybe, you dance a soft shoe
The sky is the limit, I am told rainbows abound in
This lovely place where, I'm told, a pig really flew. 

EIGHTH PLACE WINNER
Written May 20, 2022
submitted to "2022 Poetry Marathon Mile 9 Poetry Contest"
sponsored by Mark Toney

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Gary Radice Date: 7/29/2022 2:11:00 PM It's a long time since I've heard the word 'Poppycock' Milt. Reminds me of other similar words: codswallop, claptrap that, if I'm honest I only ever remember politicians quoting to each other way back when on TV. There's no nonsense here though with your poem. A great example of where your muse can take you. Cheers - Gary Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 7/29/2022 6:57:00 PM I appreciate your kind and thoughtful comment so much, Gary. Thank You!

Lin Lane Date: 7/28/2022 7:56:00 AM There's no cry of "Poppycock" from me on this wonderfully whimsical write, Milton. In the imagination of a poet, there is no realm that is not real, and where no fantasy cannot come true when he puts pen to paper. Congratulations on your winning spot in mile 9. Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 7/28/2022 7:58:00 AM Thanks so much, Lin. Everything you said in your comment is true. Thanks, too, for the congrats!

Susan Ashley Date: 7/27/2022 7:51:00 PM Dear Milton, I was swept up and away by the whimsical enchantment of this fun, fantastic poem. “maybe, you dance a soft shoe” - I love it! I adore the imaginative imagery and rhymes. Your last line is grand finale indeed! A great piece!! Congratulations for your excellent win in Mark’s contest. Warmest wishes, my friend.. ~Susan Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 7/27/2022 8:54:00 PM TThank you so much, Susan, and congratulations on your splendid win. Onward!

I Am Anaya Date: 7/27/2022 6:05:00 PM Congratulations on your win. Love it, a funtastic fantasy. Free- admission, now that's poppycock! Caren K. inspired? Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 7/27/2022 6:44:00 PM Thank you so much, Anaya. I don't know about that. I read a lot of Caren and, occasionally, I suppose she plants a seed in my brain, but I didn't realoy have her in mind when I wrote this one.

Paula Goldsmith Date: 7/27/2022 2:00:00 PM Congratulations on your win. What a Creative/Fun write. I want to ride "Lots of polka-dotted elephants to ride to and fro." I guess only in "The Land of Poppycock" can one find this in today's world. "And when something’s done, it’s done right." Maybe I want to now move. Have a blessed writing away............... Login to Reply Paula Goldsmith Date: 7/28/2022 7:41:00 AM OH No!!!! A writer needs their eyes. Feel/see better soon. God's healing be on you. Have a blessed day resting..................... L Milton Hankins Date: 7/27/2022 3:56:00 PM Thank you so much, Paula. I'm enjoying writing for the marathon. I had cataract surgery this morning, so it is somuch fun trying to type when I'm mostly blind.

Robert Gorelick Date: 7/27/2022 12:18:00 PM Infinitely better than any theme park I've ever heard of. Is this in Kentucky? Congrats! Robert Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 7/27/2022 3:58:00 PM Nope. It's in the mind of this weird fellow in Ashland, Kentucky. Sorry, Robert, but I had cataract surgery this morning, and I can't see worth a damn. I'm trying to type and wondering if I could do so if I went blind! Thank you so much for whatever you wrote. (chuckling)

Mark Toney Date: 7/27/2022 12:12:00 PM Milton, I love this! "The Land of Poppycock" is great fun, clever, and refreshing to read. I call it a "flight of fancy!" A definite Fave for me. Congratulations on your win on Mile 9 of my 2022 Poetry Marathon Contest. Keep your running shoes on, because Mile 10 has already started! Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 7/27/2022 3:59:00 PM Thank you so much, Mark. As I mentioned above, I had cataract surgery this morning and I'm sort of typing blind. I could read enough to know that I placed in the Marathon. I'm so happy for that.

Andrea Dietrich Date: 7/27/2022 11:01:00 AM what a cool poem. And cool beans, a marathon winner. Big congrats, Milt. Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 7/27/2022 4:00:00 PM Thanks so much, Andrea. Have a super nice week!

Bill Baker Date: 5/29/2022 10:47:00 AM The wonderful world of imagination has grown and acquired a new name, Land of Poppycock. I like it, Milt. Have a great day my friend. Bill Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 5/29/2022 11:00:00 AM Thank you so much, Bill. Have a marvelous day!

Caren Krutsinger Date: 5/23/2022 1:25:00 PM You have given me a new idea for a poem and I thank you my friend! Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 5/23/2022 4:19:00 PM Take whatever you can use, Caren, and I am pleased that I could give Trixie a nudge!

Timothy Ray Date: 5/21/2022 11:02:00 AM i am quite familiar with "Poppycock"...that moment when disgust hits one and its evaluation is needed, this is close and well written as was "Jabberwocky"....quite the exercise in imagination and well-drawn i might add....your offering is much appreciated Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 5/21/2022 12:11:00 PM Thanks so much, Timothy. I just started writing and that was what came out. Sometimes I astound myself! So nice to hear from you.

Charles Messina Date: 5/21/2022 4:38:00 AM I never heard of "Poppycock", Milton. But I'll be sure to use it now...especially if it's where a pig really flew (lol). Love the write...hope all has been well my friend. Charlie Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 5/21/2022 9:04:00 AM Thank you, Charlie. It's an "old-timey" word, I think. I recall hearing it when something utterly foolish was said. See Jenna's comment below.

Jenna Logan Date: 5/20/2022 3:17:00 PM When there is something I don’t believe I say, “Poppycock.” But you could make me believe pigs fly with this write, Milt. Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 5/20/2022 5:00:00 PM Thanks, Jenna. But, I'm afraid that's poppycock!

Gershon Wolf Date: 5/20/2022 1:43:00 PM Poppycock is the tonic I needed this afternoon, Milt. Thanks for the lift! ~ Lightly and Lively, Gershon Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 5/20/2022 2:02:00 PM (chuckling) Thanks, gw. I needed it, too.

Tom Cunningham Date: 5/20/2022 1:06:00 PM Sounds like the land of Cockaigne another wonderful place where everything is free. Very creative write Milton. It's amazing where our muse sometimes takes us. Tom Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 5/20/2022 2:03:00 PM That is true, Tom. I just started writing and out it came!

Frederic Parker Date: 5/20/2022 12:43:00 PM Been there but then again that was in the 1960's Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 5/20/2022 1:03:00 PM I suspect many of us were in those years, Frederic! Thanks for the read and the comment. I appreciated it.