L Milton Hankins | + Follow Poet |
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Two Tips On Titles

Nothing disappoints like a misleading title
For your reader will look for its theme throughout
And if no plausible link can be made, the reader
Will wonder why you chose that random word or phrase
With no credible link to your chosen lines or your theme
Perhaps, you should rewrite it from the beginning
For if your work does not reflect the title you chose
The reader is certainly apt to think you missed the boat.

The title of your poem is like a door swinging wide open
Welcoming the curious reader to look at what is inside
When your readers step inside the scene you have created 
They will search for meaningful words and appropriate phrases
Lines that explain the title you have painstakingly chosen
It can be clever, or funny, or point to what lies ahead, but
Make no mistake, my friend, when expressing yourself
Your title is the key that unlocks the story you are telling.

HONORABLE MENTION
Written on April 27, 2021
For "What's in a Title in 14-20 Lines" Contest
Sponsored by Line Gauthier

Copyright © L Milton Hankins | Year Posted 2021

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Greg Gaul Date: 5/28/2021 8:39:00 AM Okay, I get why you are the only HM here. But, yours may be the most helpful piece for the reader's literary success. So many titles fail for so many reasons. Since I spent fifty years in the advertising business, respect for a great headline meant money in the pocket. Sadly, many talented poets never had the advantage of learning that lesson. Obviously, even though you may have been closer to the divine in your career, you got that all important message too. Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 5/28/2021 8:59:00 AM Oh, my! Thanks so much for your kind compliment and your thoughtful remarks, Greg. I really appreciate the time you took to write this note.

Paula Goldsmith Date: 5/15/2021 12:25:00 PM Congratulations on your win. I love your first line, "Nothing disappoints like a misleading title." So true. Guess we some times do not take the time to really think about the title. Have a blessed day..... Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 5/15/2021 12:47:00 PM Thanks for your thoughts, Paula. It was nice to slip in under the wire!~

Brian Sambourne Date: 5/4/2021 8:07:00 AM Terrific advice, Milton. I have a terrible time with titles. Sometimes a reader of my submitted piece will suggest a more suitable title to the one I've chosen, + so I make the change. Be well. Enjoy the spring, Brian Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 5/9/2021 8:23:00 AM Thanks for the read, Brian. I hope it was helpful.

Constance La France Date: 4/29/2021 7:03:00 AM Milt, I agree with you in all aspects of your poem and often because of this very reason I do not create the title until I am finished writing my poem, and pick one that fits with what I wrote, peace _Constance Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 4/29/2021 8:08:00 AM Thanks for your thoughtful response, Constance. My titles are almost always chosen after I have written the piece. Always made sense to me. Have a terrific day!

Caren Krutsinger Date: 4/28/2021 10:09:00 PM I may have to rethink some of my titles now "The title of your poem is like a door swinging wide open Welcoming the curious reader to look at what is inside" I had not thought it was this big a deal! Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 4/29/2021 8:06:00 AM I have been disappointed when a poem did not reflect or measure up to its title many time. Thanks for your insightful comment, Caren.

Darlene De Beaulieu Date: 4/28/2021 11:15:00 AM Hello Milton, yes this is so true. You made a good point in this poetry. Enjoy your day my friend. Login to Reply Darlene De Beaulieu Date: 4/28/2021 4:06:00 PM Hello Milton, oh your welcome Milton. I think you did better than I did. Enjoy your evening my friend. L Milton Hankins Date: 4/28/2021 12:44:00 PM Thanks, Darlene. I'm glad you thought I was on-target. I appreciate your confidence.