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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

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.

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

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?

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...............

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

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!

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.

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

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!

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.