L Milton Hankins Poet Rhyme

This Little Light of Mine

The children sang “This Little Light of Mine,
Hide it under a bushel, NO! I’m gonna let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!”

My heart was touched by their sincerity,
For they put into it every bit of the raw energy
They could muster, and I realized then
That hiding my light was a dreadful sin,
So, I began to seek ways I could be a light
Shining a bright beam on the world’s plight:
Hungry children, homeless waifs, victims
Need more than our sanctimonious hymns,
They need food and safe places to lay their heads
They need freedom from predators, clean beds,
And though I cannot provide these for everyone
I can give money to support the need for some
And I challenge you to let your little light shine
I’m sure it can be even brighter than mine.
“This little light of ours!” can wipe out need
Together, each one reaching one, we’ll succeed!

SECOND PLACE WINNER
Written March 11, 2022
for "Being a Light to Others" poetry challenge
sponsored by Anoucheka Gangabissoon

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Christuraj Alex March 21, 2022 at 3:38 AM "I challenge you to let your little light shine" - Beautiful challenge. Congratulations! L Milton Hankins March 21, 2022 at 8:28 AM Thank you, Chris. I will!

Paula Goldsmith March 20, 2022 at 11:43 AM Congratulations on your fun/creative write from yesterday/years. This took me back a number of years. I really enjoyed it. Have a blessed day with your win............... L Milton Hankins March 20, 2022 at 4:21 PM Thank you, Paula. Yes, it reminded me of children's groups at church singing that song. It seemed to work well in the contest.

Anoucheka Gangabissoon March 20, 2022 at 9:45 AM Congratulations for the placement and thanks for the entry :) L Milton Hankins March 20, 2022 at 9:57 AM I enjoyed writing for your contest, Anoucheka. Thanks so much for the fine placement.

Jenna Logan March 11, 2022 at 10:14 AM Wonderful thoughts, Milt. Check your soup mail

Bill Baker March 11, 2022 at 8:31 AM Amen, Milt. Great entry for this contest and an enjoyable read. Thanks for sharing, Bill L Milton Hankins March 11, 2022 at 9:26 AM Thanks, Bill. I'm hoping for the best...for the poem's message and for the contest.

John Lawless March 11, 2022 at 4:49 AM ...."but if that light's under a bushel it's lost something kinda crucial" or something like that from the musical. L Milton Hankins March 11, 2022 at 9:27 AM Absolutely, John. I think that was the second verse.

Joanna Daniel March 11, 2022 at 1:34 AM Awesome message, Milt:) L Milton Hankins March 11, 2022 at 9:27 AM Thank you, Jo. I think so, too.

Unseeking Seeker March 10, 2022 at 10:25 PM Wonderful message Milt! May we all be moved to embrace these empathetic values L Milton Hankins March 11, 2022 at 9:27 AM I wish it were the mantra for the world, U.S. Wouldn't that be wonderful?