L Milton Hankins Poet Quatrain

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

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

Becky Forbes October 7, 2022 at 8:08 PM Love this... they’re like noisy cancers. Nice!! L Milton Hankins October 7, 2022 at 9:17 PM Thanks, Becky.

Michael Tor October 7, 2022 at 6:40 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... L Milton Hankins October 7, 2022 at 7:24 PM Thank you so much, Michael. I always hope someone else can learn more about themselves by reading my introspective poems.

David Kavanagh October 7, 2022 at 12:06 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 L Milton Hankins October 7, 2022 at 7:24 PM Thank you, David. I appreciate your thought-provoking comment and the kind compliment.

I Am Anaya October 7, 2022 at 11:45 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 L Milton Hankins October 7, 2022 at 7:25 PM Thanks, Anaya. I was thinking about that quote when I wrote this poem.

Jenna Logan October 7, 2022 at 10:48 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. L Milton Hankins October 7, 2022 at 11:40 AM Thanks so much, Jenna. I'm glad you enjoyed the poem.