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The Source of My Blunders

I am convinced clear thinking requires effort
While anyone can come up with a bummer
But many do, when cornered, as a last resort
And we all do occasionally spit out a “dumber.”
I’ve found it painful but wise to bite my tongue
Still, I’m rather prone to foot-in-mouth disease
My folks taught me better when I was young,
Not to say things that make others ill-at-ease.
Their sincere efforts apparently did not take,
For too often I say precisely what's on my mind.
I’ve never been accused of being a phony or fake
Though, occasionally, I say things out my behind!
 
Written August 17, 2022

Copyright © L Milton Hankins | Year Posted 2022

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Caren Krutsinger Date: 8/20/2022 12:31:00 AM At our age can we truly do this too often? " I say precisely what's on my mind." - I do not think so. They need our wisdom - meaning thousands of others. Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 8/20/2022 9:22:00 AM (chuckling) Well, one thing's for sure, if I have any wisdom I'm going to share it! Ha! I generally say what I think to, and often it gets me in hot water!

Shirley Hawkins Date: 8/18/2022 5:00:00 PM We all make mistakes; nobody is perfect, but the trouble is some of us think we are. Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 8/18/2022 5:11:00 PM As therein lies the rub, Shirley. Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment.

Christuraj Alex Date: 8/17/2022 9:36:00 PM Your poems have always been a pleasure for me to read. They express profound wisdom and experience. They are full of poetic styles and forms and figures of speeches. This one is exceptionally good. Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 8/18/2022 8:35:00 AM Thank you so much, Chris, for your thoughtful and complimentary comment. You are just too kind.

Jenna Logan Date: 8/17/2022 7:49:00 PM I would much rather have a friend like you, who speaks honestly and forthright, then one who says what he or she thinks I want to hear. There are times when it's very difficult not to say what we're thinking, or write what we shouldn't, but like Michael wrote, there was only one perfect man. Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 8/18/2022 8:37:00 AM Thanks, Jenna. I have found in life if you are honest, truth-telling, and forthright you never have to worry about contradicting yourself (although I've done that) and people will know where you stand, which keeps them from doing lots of things that they know would go against your grain. I've always said, if you want to know what I think, just ask me. It still holds true.

Michael Tor Date: 8/17/2022 7:33:00 PM Milton God made us all differently. What I see in you is courage and passion. That is who you are and that's ok. Poetry is your passion and you have every right to express your feelings without being attacked. There was only one perfect man and that was Jesus everyone else has flaws. I have my share. You have the courage to honestly be critical of yourself and humble yourself before others. That takes courage and is the decent thing to do. We all have walked in your shoes. Thank you for sharing. Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 8/18/2022 8:39:00 AM Thank you so much, Michael. You are very kind in what you say about me. I try my best to live up to these kinds of expectations. I certainly do have my flaws, but I try diligently to mend them wherever possible. Michael Tor Date: 8/17/2022 7:34:00 PM May God comfort you in all you do... God bless...