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Too Far Gone

Among the unfortunates in life I’ve known Are some who’ve slipped between the cracks, Most are they who have their wild oats sown. Practices in adolescence still make me groan, In adulthood, still not grasping social knacks Among the unfortunates in life I’ve known. They continue to muddle through life alone Still sampling the worst of addictions’ snacks, Most are they who have their wild oats sown. Life coming down on them like an old crone, Basic life skills are counted among their lacks Among the unfortunates in life I’ve known. Still paying the price for a youth that’s flown Somehow, they didn’t seem to grasp the facts, Most are they who have their wild oats sown. And now they are too far gone to toss a bone, Society only wants to give them a punitive axe Among the unfortunates in life I’ve known, Most are they who have their wild oats sown. THIRD PLACE WINNER Written July 3, 2022 Submitted to “Pick-a-Title Vol 31" Poetry Contest Sponsored by Edward Ibeh

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Edward Ibeh

Date: 7/31/2022 12:35:00 PM

A sublime, beautifully written villanelle, Milt:-) I thoroughly enjoyed it! Congratulations on your win in my contest!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/31/2022 1:00:00 PM

Thank you so much, Edward. I really appreciated the opportunity to write for your contest.

Paula Goldsmith

Date: 7/31/2022 9:45:00 AM

Congratulations on your win. A very Creative write. Today, be blessed with your win...........

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/31/2022 9:47:00 AM

Thank you so very much, Paula. It is always good to hear from you.

Terry Miller

Date: 7/31/2022 1:02:00 AM

Great villanelle a well deserved win Milton

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/31/2022 8:22:00 AM

Terry, I really appreciate your thoughtful comment. Thanks so much. I love writing villanelles.

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 7/6/2022 2:08:00 AM

"Life coming down on them like an old crone, Basic life skills are counted among their lacks" This is sadly more true now than ever before.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/6/2022 9:25:00 AM

Indeed, I believe that is the case, Caren.

Mike Gentile

Date: 7/4/2022 5:18:00 AM

Milt you've expertly crafted the depiction of a very sade state for some! Great entry for the contest, good luck!!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/4/2022 8:32:00 AM

Thanks so much, Mike. I hope you're right about this one. Also, while I'm at it, have a marvelous Independence Day holiday!

Jenna Logan

Date: 7/4/2022 4:59:00 AM

Your entry for Edward's contest is very well conceived for a sorrowful topic. I wish you well with the results. Your love for the Villanelle form shows, Milt. Check your mail, please.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/31/2022 1:01:00 PM

I have tried several times, Jenna, but Amazon won't let me write a review, and I have no idea why? I suspect it has something to do with either I am using Deb' old account, or I have not purchased enough from them. In either case, I need to get it straightened out.

Jenna Logan
Date: 7/4/2022 9:42:00 AM

Sorry for your lack of sleep, Milt. Edward is a fine poet, and it's very kind of you to review his new book.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/4/2022 8:35:00 AM

I think I did. I will. Thank you so much. I had a rough night and am just now getting in the groove. I hope this works well for Edward. I'm reading his new poetry book and plan to write him a review on Amazon when I finish it. He did a good job.

Michael Tor

Date: 7/4/2022 12:49:00 AM

There is always a price to pay and we al pay if were not careful. Have a good day Milton. I cant believe how much you an Andrea Dietrich write. Your muse is on steroids. I envy your drives...

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/4/2022 8:39:00 AM

Thanks, Michael. Well, you must keep in mind that I've been writing for about 70 years! It's a part of my DNA, as natural as breathing. I absolutely love writing and expressing how I feel about things.