L Milton Hankins | + Follow Poet |
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What I Know For Sure

I am a self-confident sort of person
Very aware of what I know for sure,
A strong proponent of truth-telling
Separating out the obvious manure.

Considering various points of view
Trying to arrive at fair conclusions,
I am willing to debate with anyone
Oft coming away with contusions.

I really don’t care for know-it-alls
Who think they have all the answers,
Contradicting to foment an argument
To me, they’re like noisy cancers.

I’ve learned it is better to listen
And learn from those who know
Than to speak up and be wrong,
And let my gross ignorance show.

If I’m quiet, I’m listening to you
I’m interested in the facts you lay out,
And I’m soaking up new information
So, the next time I’ll have my spout.

Written October 7, 2022

Copyright © L Milton Hankins | Year Posted 2022

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Caren Krutsinger Date: 10/8/2022 7:23:00 AM I always marvel at the confidence of these know-it-alls, but like you "I really don’t care for know-it-alls" Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 10/8/2022 8:01:00 AM I certainly try to run the other way when I see one coming!

Becky Forbes Date: 10/7/2022 8:08:00 PM Love this... they’re like noisy cancers. Nice!! Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 10/7/2022 9:17:00 PM Thanks, Becky.

Michael Tor Date: 10/7/2022 6:40:00 PM Milton your personal attributes are shared. Your honesty is always impressive to me to read. Transparent you are and it is something that I value. To be critical of oneself good and bad is to admire in another person. Your honesty overshadows any fault you might think you have. I appreciate your candor in yourself and in your Poetry... Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 10/7/2022 7:24:00 PM Thank you so much, Michael. I always hope someone else can learn more about themselves by reading my introspective poems.

David Kavanagh Date: 10/7/2022 12:06:00 PM Sit back, listen, and learn Milton, wisdom personified, in a reality that’s impossible to understand, know it all’s, are indeed the real fools, an open mind goes a long way in this life, logical brilliant penning, cheers David Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 10/7/2022 7:24:00 PM Thank you, David. I appreciate your thought-provoking comment and the kind compliment.

I Am Anaya Date: 10/7/2022 11:45:00 AM An 'ol wise lady owl once said: It's Better to be quiet and thought ignorant than to start talking and remove all doubt! If there's one thing worse than a know-it-all, it's a pompous ass! Your words sagacious, Milt Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 10/7/2022 7:25:00 PM Thanks, Anaya. I was thinking about that quote when I wrote this poem.

Jenna Logan Date: 10/7/2022 10:48:00 AM What I know for sure is that all the things you've mentioned mirror my own thoughts. What could be worse than cancer? A noisy cancer, such as those people who get in your face and screech and preach to you as if your beliefs are wrong, and only theirs are right. Listening is a valuable quality. Good write, Milt. Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 10/7/2022 11:40:00 AM Thanks so much, Jenna. I'm glad you enjoyed the poem.