L Milton Hankins Poet Quatrain

Three Old Crows

Three old crows were standing head-to-head
Conversing in the hallway between the classes
Wondering who they were dissing, with dread,
I knew fellow teachers they thought jacka**es,

And, occasionally, I had been on their hit list
Every workplace has a similar gossipy klatch
If they suddenly vanished, they’d not be missed
They liked nothing better than a pis*ing match.

I made a practice to stay clear of their clucking
I’ve never enjoyed putting other people down,
While some people enjoy what I call mucking
Their favored pastime, a proverbial knockdown.

I prefer spending my time building others up
Helping those out who are having a rough time,
Avoiding those who engage in childish trollop
While adhering to my chosen ethical paradigm. 

Written July 5, 2022

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Caren Krutsinger July 11, 2022 at 9:07 PM "Avoiding those who engage in childish trollop" - Me too Hank, me too! This had such a ring of truth all the way through. L Milton Hankins July 11, 2022 at 9:35 PM Thanks, Caren. Pretty common among elementary school teachers.

Bill Baker July 7, 2022 at 3:53 PM I agree with your thoughts completely. Put the energy where it will help the most. Bill L Milton Hankins July 7, 2022 at 5:04 PM Thanks, Bill. By all means!

Michael Tor July 7, 2022 at 2:21 PM Milton I appplaud you for being the better person. We all know these Crows are in every work place in society. Boy could I share many stories on this topic. I will write a story on one in the near future. Thanks for the inspiration... L Milton Hankins July 7, 2022 at 2:56 PM You are quite welcome, Michael. I suspect we all have stories like this that we could tell.

Jenna Logan July 7, 2022 at 9:46 AM Your point is very well made. There are times when I feel one old crow caws enough of her mucking until she shows herself to be the jackass. The redundancy of her nasty habit continues in childish refrain. It happens in workplaces, poetry sites... L Milton Hankins July 7, 2022 at 10:24 AM Oh, how true, Jenna. How true. Thanks for the read and the comment.

Shirley Hawkins July 6, 2022 at 6:09 PM They gossip for gossip's sake! L Milton Hankins July 6, 2022 at 6:44 PM I'd say they do, Shirley. Definitely! (laughing)

Terry Flood July 6, 2022 at 3:31 PM What is it they say? If you’ve got nothing constructive to say… say nothing. It has to be said that there’s been times in my life when I’ve opted for the latter. Well observed write, Milt. Terry L Milton Hankins July 6, 2022 at 3:54 PM Me, too, Terry. But, I have to admit that sometimes I've said my piece and have been happier for it. I think you just have to weigh each situation. I've noticed the old crows often start whispering campaigns about absolutely nothing worthwhile. Thanks for your thought-provoking comment.

Ilene Bauer July 6, 2022 at 2:20 PM well said, milton! there will always be those who enjoy putting others down, especially in groups, like your "three old crows." L Milton Hankins July 6, 2022 at 3:20 PM Unfortunately, this is true, Ilene. I'm sure you encountered them in your teaching career. Thanks for the thoughtful comment.