When the Stars Sang For Me

I remember when the stars sang for me Sweet sounds echoing through the night, When I was young and, oh, so carefree. It was not as though I possessed a pedigree, Or had the special gifts of a magical spright I remember when the stars sang for me. Summer nights I would camp under a tree And read by the beam of an old flashlight, When I was young and, oh, so carefree. Sometimes I felt like an unwanted refugee, Then, I’d pretend I was totally out of sight I remember when the stars sang for me. On warm nights no other place I’d rather be Something about the night sky would excite, When I was young and, oh, so carefree. To be alone, by myself, made me feel free Almost nothing else brought me utter delight When I was young and, oh, so carefree, I remember when the stars sang for me.
SEVENTH PLACE WINNER July 27, 2022 Submitted to: "2022 Poetry Marathon No. 10" Poetry Contest Sponsored by Mark Toney written February 26, 2022 POEM OF THE DAY Poetry Soup, February 28, 2022 #57 on Best New Poems List Poetry Soup February 28, 2022 #32 on Best New Poems List Poetry Soup March 4, 2022 #36 on Best New Poems List Poetry Soup March 28, 2028
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

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12
Zahid Avatar
August 6, 2022 at 11:15 AM
This is beautiful Hankins... Congratulations on your placement... Loved it
Hankins Avatar
August 6, 2022 at 11:23 AM
Thank you so much, Paghunda.
Ashley Avatar
August 4, 2022 at 11:10 AM
Dear Milt, I revel in your reverie and its tender lyrical imagery. Such a wonderful and evocative title sets the tone for a lush enchanting piece! Your beautiful nostalgia touches me. Congratulations for your excellent win in Mark's contest. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
Hankins Avatar
August 4, 2022 at 12:34 PM
Thank you so much, Susan, and congratulations to you for such fine showings in the Marathon. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see you first at the finish line!
Goldsmith Avatar
August 4, 2022 at 6:59 AM
Back with Congratulations on your New win. A "Wonderful" write. Have a great/blessed/fun day writing away..................
Hankins Avatar
August 4, 2022 at 7:45 AM
Thank you so much, Paula.
Toney Avatar
August 3, 2022 at 4:38 PM
Milton, your villanelle has a lovely melody and rhythm to it. Not surprising, since the stars are singing to you! You've also helped me to reminisce about "When I was young and, oh, so carefree." Nicely done! Congratulations on your win on Mile 10 of my 2022 Poetry Marathon Contest. Keep your running shoes on, because Mile 11 has already started. Also, check out my blog post to view your current standing in the Marathon.
Toney Avatar
August 3, 2022 at 5:35 PM
Wow, Milton. Positive thoughts and prayers for your steady recovery.
Hankins Avatar
August 3, 2022 at 5:25 PM
Thanks so much, Mark. I am enjoying the Marathon. I'm in Cardiac-Rehab, so I am keeping my running shoes on figuratively and actually!
Lane Avatar
August 3, 2022 at 3:54 PM
A third visit to your winning poem, Milton. I think that's record for me. Congratulations on Mile 10.
Hankins Avatar
August 3, 2022 at 5:26 PM
Thanks, Lin. I'm glad you have enjoyed it.
Lane Avatar
July 23, 2022 at 7:23 AM
I must be enamored by this wonderful title, for as I was reading your previous comments, I discovered that I'd already commented on this fine poem. An alluring title always pulls me in. I will find another one of yours whose title appeals to me. An awesome poem, Milton.
Hankins Avatar
July 23, 2022 at 9:02 AM
Your return visit was delightful, Lin. Thanks. Soup Mail
Wolf Avatar
March 7, 2022 at 3:17 PM
I see that missed this sparkling POTD, Milt. If you have any stardust left in the wand, might you ask them to sing for me? Somthing like 'Starry, Stary Night.' A Belated Congrats, Gershon
Hankins Avatar
March 7, 2022 at 5:16 PM
Okay, gw, I will. Thanks for the read, my friend.
Anaya Avatar
March 5, 2022 at 4:10 PM
Back to say a fav of mine, a best new poems list how nice for you. I will try my hand at another villanelle. Have a nice night Milton!
Hankins Avatar
March 5, 2022 at 4:27 PM
I hope you will, I Am Anaya. They are fun to write, even if a bit exacting. Thanks for the read and the thoughtful comment on my poem. This one was a winner all the way around.
Kitchin Avatar
March 1, 2022 at 4:36 PM
Milton, a wonderful nostalgic poem, sorry I missed this gem, a belated congratulations on POTD!
Hankins Avatar
March 1, 2022 at 5:06 PM
Thanks so much, Tania. I really appreciate it.
Daniel Avatar
March 1, 2022 at 6:33 AM
This has just that carefree feel that you wish to convey, Milton, congratulations on POTD:)
Hankins Avatar
March 1, 2022 at 7:18 AM
Thanks so much, Jo. I appreciate your thoughtful response to my P.O.T.D.
Radice Avatar
March 1, 2022 at 1:28 AM
Hi Milt! I'm behind on my reading (again!) and just dropped by to say a belated congratulations for your POTD. I'm in awe of you and any poet that can follow the rules of a villanelle - five tercets followed by a quatrain, with two repeating rhymes and two refrains - and come up with a poem at such a high standard as this. I love the personification of the stars too. Cheers - Gary
Hankins Avatar
March 1, 2022 at 7:20 AM
Aw, thanks so much Gary for your sweet, thoughtful affirmation of my poem. I always enjoy hearing from you.
Hawkins Avatar
February 28, 2022 at 7:05 PM
It sounds like the stars are still singing for you. Congratulations Milt, on your well deserved Poem of the Day
Hankins Avatar
February 28, 2022 at 7:21 PM
Thanks so much, Shirley. You are always so encouraging to me. I really appreciate you.
Nicole Avatar
February 28, 2022 at 6:01 PM
I enjoy drifting in a tender sky, embracing the beauty and the magic that surrounds me. The thought of stars singing leaves me in complete awe. I am closing my eyes and floating in a sweet moment. Congratulations Milton, on Poem of the Day. My best to you. :) Hugs, Brandy
Hankins Avatar
February 28, 2022 at 6:18 PM
Brandy, thank you so much for your gracious comment.
Peck Avatar
February 28, 2022 at 4:15 PM
i love "I remember when the stars sang for me." Such lovely memories, yet that line especially touched me. Congratulations on POTD :)
Hankins Avatar
February 28, 2022 at 4:28 PM
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment and your encouragement, Ann. I appreciate you.
Rone Avatar
February 28, 2022 at 3:13 PM
Way to go Hank! The Masterelle of the Villanelle. Congrats on another POTD.
Hankins Avatar
February 28, 2022 at 3:31 PM
Thank you, Ken. I don't know about that, but I do love the format and I do try!
Roper Avatar
February 28, 2022 at 3:05 PM
Great Villanelle, Milt, with great flow. I remember when i was young and the stars sang for me.. A peace it would give me. Congratulations on POTD
Hankins Avatar
February 28, 2022 at 3:31 PM
Thank you so much, Eve.
Flood Avatar
February 28, 2022 at 11:09 AM
Congratulation on your POTD, Milt. Not sure I’ve ever tried to pen one of these villanelle poems… always looks like too many rules for me. You fulfil the remit with a natural ease and Hey Presto… a smashing piece of nostalgic reflection. Well done, Sir. Terry
Hankins Avatar
February 28, 2022 at 1:38 PM
Thanks so much, Terry. Give it a try; actually, they are quite fun. I think I enjoy this poetry format about as much as the pantoum and triolets. I love word play, so, I am more challenged by these formats than any other.
Lane Avatar
February 28, 2022 at 11:07 AM
There is such a wonderful sense of beauty and God's love for us found in the myriad of stars twinkling in a black velvet sky. Congratulations on your villanelle having been chosen as today's heralded poem, Milton.
Hankins Avatar
February 28, 2022 at 1:40 PM
Thank you so much, Lin. Your words are so encouraging to me. I'm glad you liked the poem.
Gorelick Avatar
February 28, 2022 at 10:42 AM
Congratulations Milton, even better the second time around! Robert
Hankins Avatar
February 28, 2022 at 11:01 AM
Aw, how nice, Robert. Thanks for your comment. It meant a lot to me.
Anaya Avatar
February 28, 2022 at 10:39 AM
Congratulations on the POTD Milton. I am glad your poem is here today. Anaya
Hankins Avatar
February 28, 2022 at 11:01 AM
Thanks, I Am Anaya. Complete surprise!
Jayasankar Avatar
February 28, 2022 at 9:40 AM
Aw what a beautiful write Milton...and yes, the refrain lines are so lovely that every reader would go back to their childhood for some time as they are reading those lines... "Sometimes I felt like an unwanted refugee, then I'd pretend I was totally out of sight"... so sweet and cute...and nothing like watching the night sky... Congratulations on your much deserving POTD honor... God bless... ~ Ani
Hankins Avatar
February 28, 2022 at 9:52 AM
Thanks so much, Ani, for your kind, sweet comments on my poem.
Watt Avatar
February 28, 2022 at 8:46 AM
Milton, how peaceful the night sky can be, and how wonderfully you have expressed these pleasant memories of youth in your villanelle. Warm congratulations for your POTD honor ~ John
Hankins Avatar
February 28, 2022 at 8:52 AM
Thanks so much, John. I was not aware that I had a POTD honor, but I'll look. I enjoyed the poem, and I'm glad you did, too.
George Avatar
February 28, 2022 at 7:51 AM
Beautiful memories of carefree childhood. Camping under a tree and listening to the song of stars.... Oh what a lovely experience ! I enjoyed the refrain much. Congratulations Milton on your well deserved POTD
Hankins Avatar
February 28, 2022 at 8:53 AM
Thank you, Valsa.
Goldsmith Avatar
February 28, 2022 at 6:59 AM
Congratulations on your POTD win. A "Wonderful" write. Good memories are the best kind. Love the stars and moon with their pretty nighttime lights. Have a great/blessed day with your win...............
Hankins Avatar
February 28, 2022 at 8:53 AM
Paula, thanks so much.
Baker Avatar
February 28, 2022 at 6:05 AM
Congratulations, Milt. This poem touched my heart. I could almost feel the freedom you felt being alone and free, listening to the stars singing. You found your happy place within, you met yourself and felt your worth. It was a peaceful moment beyond understanding. You've described it beautifully in this Villanelle. A poet friend in Texas, Bill
Hankins Avatar
February 28, 2022 at 9:00 AM
Thank you so much, Bill, for your affirming and thoughtful comment on my poem. I always appreciate your comments.
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