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Writing My Poems

I never get tired of writing my poetry It’s the best way I can express myself So much better than plain geometry, Seeing my book on someone’s shelf. I started writing about age twelve Simple stuff, nothing like Shakespeare, Into deep subjects I would delve And learn the poetry forms to adhere. I took a poetry course at Morris Harvey The professor said, “Keep your day job!” Then, I had a poem in Christian Century It caused my creative heart to throb. I kept writing whenever I had the time Hundreds of poems in seventy years, Sometimes I speak in poetic rhyme I happily pen poems through my tears.
Written June 7, 2022

Copyright © | Year Posted 2022




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Date: 6/9/2022 1:14:00 AM
I am so glad that one boob's opinion did not slow you down or stop you from writing.
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L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/9/2022 8:52:00 AM
Oh, as I look back on it, I realize that was Virginia's way of encouraging me to submit to magazines. She was thrilled when I got the poem in Christian Century, and I got an A in her class. She was a good teacher.
Date: 6/8/2022 10:59:00 AM
Truth. Writing is like a sweet curse. There are moments when we just want the intimacy with the keyboard, the generation of words that transmit our thoughts, the beauty of seeing them expressed together, the rejoicing for what seems to us the portrait of our soul, at least in that moment of creation. Very good your text, Milton.
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L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/8/2022 12:26:00 PM
Thanks, Marco. In any case, it's clearly compulsive behavior on my part...and probably yours. Possibly with all sincere poets because we are driven to express ourselves.
Date: 6/8/2022 6:53:00 AM
If you still had a day job, you wouldn't allow it to interfere with writing poetry. Whether tears of joy or sorrow, keep writing.
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L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/8/2022 8:30:00 AM
Thanks, Jenna. I couldn't quit if I wanted to. I have never claimed to write "good" poetry, although occasionally I think I turn out a gem. I just love writing!
Date: 6/8/2022 5:29:00 AM
Milt, I could not agree with you more! It is clear throughout your poetry, that your feelings run deep! Where would we be without it! A lovely Bio this is! Keep on writing! Happy Wednesday!
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L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/8/2022 8:32:00 AM
Happy Wednesday to you, too, Mike. Thanks so much. I just had these thoughts about my writing in mind and thought I'd share them. Writing has always been something of a compulsion with me.
Date: 6/8/2022 1:19:00 AM
Great stuff Milt, not only your poetry, but your personality inside and outside your poems is a gift here.
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L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/8/2022 8:33:00 AM
Aw, thank you, harry. What a nice thing to say. I really appreciate your thoughts.
Date: 6/7/2022 8:31:00 PM
I can relate to your bio, Milt. I keep thinking I will not write anymore as my scribbling is not up to scratch. Then a thought comes into my head and I try to put that onto paper. I have been writing over 60 years with hugh gaps in between, like you I have had my poems published in local papers etc. and have a very small booklet published in the National library and State library of SA. I hasten to add since joining PS I have much to learn. I have had so much encouragement. Thank you, Milt.
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Date: 6/7/2022 8:31:00 PM
At least they will be easier for our kids to throw out when we are gone! Think of Caren’s poor kids and all those paintings, lol!
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Book: Shattered Sighs