L Milton Hankins | + Follow Poet |
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Young and Foolish Was I

Oh, young and foolish was I
Impetuous as an unleased pony
In a lush green meadow
Where the fences were far away,
And I was free to explore.

Oh, young and foolish was I
Unrestrained by age’s wisdom
In a world of opportunity,
So unprepared for any danger
Hungry for adventure.

Oh, young and foolish was I
So ignorant and self-assured,
Surrounded by possibility
Claiming fortunes unearned,
Life’s lottery mine.

Oh, young and foolish was I
Riding high on life’s steed--
No fear, no worry
Until I faced a bitter loss,
And fell hard.

written September 25, 2021

Copyright © L Milton Hankins | Year Posted 2021

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Caren Krutsinger Date: 9/27/2021 9:41:00 PM "So ignorant and self-assured, Surrounded by possibility" This is youth in a clamshell! Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 9/27/2021 9:53:00 PM It sure is, Caren. Thanks for pointing out those lines, because I remember those times in my life so well.

Rama Balasubramanian Date: 9/26/2021 11:50:00 AM Can relate to this one. Loved the ending for with many falls I am a changed person. Very well written. Thanks for your wonderful comments on my poems. They are uplifting, boost my self confidence. Enjoy your weekend. Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 9/26/2021 11:58:00 AM Well thank you, Rama. Always keep in mind that I read most all of the poems, but I comment only on those I find really well-written and enjoyable to me. You write some very good stuff!

Andrea Dietrich Date: 9/26/2021 9:36:00 AM REALLY good work, Milt. I love this analogy to riding a horse and the falling off was perfect conclusion. Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 9/26/2021 10:04:00 AM Thanks so much, Andrea. Your comments always encourage me.

Heidi Sands Date: 9/26/2021 7:25:00 AM Wow. Powerful poem Milton. Well written :) Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 9/26/2021 8:08:00 AM Thanks so much, Heidi. I'm glad you found it moving.

Paghunda Zahid Date: 9/26/2021 1:35:00 AM And I bet that was the time when you enjoyed the most... I too miss my old young, silly, and stupid self of mine. Lol. Maturity sucks... Well penned Milton Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 9/26/2021 8:12:00 AM Thanks so much for your thoughtful and apt remarks on my poem, Paghunda. I appreciated them.

Tom Cunningham Date: 9/26/2021 12:14:00 AM As the saying goes we live and learn and hopefully gain wisdom along the way. Enjoy your Sunday. Tom Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 9/26/2021 8:13:00 AM So true, Tom, so true. Thanks for your thoughts and have a marvelous Sunday!

Vijay Pandit Date: 9/25/2021 4:07:00 PM Brilliantly evoked young and foolish--(no fear, no worries)-- days, Milton. Your poem took me back to those days in this true to life write. The repeating line adds emphasis to the essence of your free verse poem. Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 9/25/2021 8:57:00 PM Thank you so much, Vijay, for your thoughtful comments on my poem. I appreciated your read and your kindness.