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Whence Passed the Verse

Whence passed the verse of bitter love
The words of birds and trees that sing
To what age belongs the voice of muses sweet
How long since poet parsed a thing
A man could understand? a line that
Speaks emotions, curdles the blood of men
Or makes the blithe spirit soar upward
Moves a wounded heart to make a tear; then
Gently wipes the tear and make the grief complete?
Not long ago the sigh invoked by careful lines
Was heard, but alas is heard no more.
The passages set down in haste do not belie
That they are something of a dreadful bore,
And I have sought a piece with gentle tone
To find that published poems read like Webster's page
Laid out in patterns, yet are cold as stone.


L. Milton Hankins, 1968

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Caren Krutsinger Date: 4/12/2021 6:46:00 AM For sure the truth!"published poems read like Webster's page Laid out in patterns, yet are cold as stone. " Which is why I love Poetry Soup! Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 4/12/2021 7:28:00 AM Me, too, Caren. I love the kind of poetry that is down-to-earth, narrative-style, the kind of poem you write so effectively.

John Lawless Date: 4/10/2021 5:13:00 AM Well written and seemingly free of the thesaurus touch. The final tercet sums it up nicely. Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 4/10/2021 7:48:00 AM Hi John. Thanks. I'm not one to consult a thesaurus much. I have been blessed with a fairly decent vocabulary. Frankly, I'm turned off by poems that use those big words that hardly anyone knows the meaning of and which sound stilted...or an attempt to impress. Long ago in a poetry class, I learned to use simple words that appeal to the masses. I certainly appreciated your comment.

Evelyn Judy Buehler Date: 4/9/2021 8:43:00 PM I enjoyed reading this excellent poem, L Milton. It bears a powerful message and has captivating rhymes. :D Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 4/9/2021 9:02:00 PM Thanks so much, Evelyn.

Christopher Flaherty Date: 4/9/2021 5:23:00 PM That they are something of a dreadful bore If you have not thought or felt at any point Then one must feel one entertaining to one's self Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 4/9/2021 7:25:00 PM I suppose so, Christopher. It's those lines penned in haste without much forethought that can be a dreadful bore. Thanks so much, Christopher, for your thoughts. I appreciate your comments.