L Milton Hankins Poet Light Verse

Undeserved Reward

It pains me to confess the unadulterated truth,
Once I strung together some distantly related words
[and by that, I mean “really” distantly related, too!]
And, tongue-in-cheek, submitted to a poetry contest
Which, surprisingly, I won … First Place!

Feeling rather badly about my obnoxious behavior
Which was rewarded so bountifully with applause
I tried to convince the sponsor I was only spoofing,
I was trying to make a point [no one wanted made]
Surprisingly, I got a note … of thanks!

Feeling even worse, I decided to decline the prize.
I wanted to do the right thing, in my way of thinking,
So, I tore up the sponsor’s check and threw it away
I wrote telling them what I had done, and I got
Surprisingly, another check … with thanks!

By now, I was completely over the whole situation
Which began with my twisted way of making a point
So, I cashed the check and spent the prize money,
And winding up the matter with a generous gesture,
Surprisingly, I sent them a note … “Thanks!” 

written February 2, 2022

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Bill Baker February 20, 2022 at 10:11 AM I know the feeling; one never knows what others may think is good writing or poetry. I obviously misjudge some of the things I write as better than they are, or worse than they are. I liked the twist in this poem though. Write On! my friend, Bill

Gershon Wolf February 4, 2022 at 10:54 AM Speaking only for myself, I see that many poems that I merely 'toss off' late at night turn out be quite popular. (Granted, some are real duds)... Interesting write, Milt. L Milton Hankins February 4, 2022 at 11:02 AM I know what you mean, gw. Thanks for your comment. This idea would have lent itself better to a short story, I think, but I'm not inclined to write short stories these days. Too much effort; too little reward! (Soup Mail)

Shirley Hawkins February 3, 2022 at 6:34 PM Your honesty deserved the reward. I, like Tom, thought it was true. Take care Shirley L Milton Hankins February 3, 2022 at 7:12 PM Shirley, thank you so much for your thoughtful and considerate response to my poem. I really appreciated it.

Tom Cunningham February 3, 2022 at 12:52 PM Spoof or not it was well deserved. Enjoyed your story Milton, I almost believed it until I read it was fiction lol. Tom L Milton Hankins February 3, 2022 at 1:34 PM Thanks, Tom. I have always felt the mark of good fiction is that it is believable. This makes me proud...no, pleased. Thanks!

Caren Krutsinger February 3, 2022 at 7:57 AM That prize money was ultimately meant to be yours! L Milton Hankins February 3, 2022 at 8:55 AM I suppose so, but I felt it was so undeserved because of the poem I submitted. Apparently the judges liked it!

William Kelii Kekaula February 2, 2022 at 1:55 PM That was good of you, Milt, a conscionable act rewarded just the same, Aloha! L Milton Hankins February 2, 2022 at 2:15 PM It's all fiction, William, but I must admit I have been tempted to try it on here. Hope you're having an Aloha day yourself!

Constance La France February 2, 2022 at 1:30 PM Milt, great write, fun to read too, glad you finally cashed the cheque ~ Constance L Milton Hankins February 2, 2022 at 1:33 PM LOL. Pure drivel, Constance. Pure drivel! I did have a similar thing happen, though. (Soup Mail)

Jan Allison February 2, 2022 at 1:25 PM oh so witty Milt, doubt anyone would pay me for me poop but i will try and do a book lol:-) hugs Jan xx L Milton Hankins February 2, 2022 at 1:34 PM I think you should, Jan. I swear, I would buy it in a heartbeat. Thanks for your thoughts.