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Best Poems Written by L Milton Hankins

Below are the all-time best L Milton Hankins poems as chosen by PoetrySoup members

Details | L Milton Hankins Poem

Ode To the Hummingbird

I

An ode to the courageous hummingbird
The tiniest bird, but bravest of all
He flits about without saying a word,
When most unexpected he comes to call
Fluttering gossamer wings rapidly,
He graces the feeder in an instant
While hovering in usual fashion,
His colorful feathers preened nattily
The ruby at his throat most dominant
--Epitome of avian passion.

II

His coat glistens with iridescent hues
Most easily seen in the bright sunlight
He’s glaring at me from his fleeting views,
Interrupting his bold, erratic flight
I look back at him with determined poise
Enraptured by his slow backward retreat
With rare aplomb think him taken aback,
I hear his delightful low humming noise
As he refuses to admit defeat,
Comes quickly to my face, spiraling back. 

III

Oh, sweet little fellow so loved and prized
Topic of bird-lovers conversation
Yet when you appear, I am so surprised
Enamored with your gay presentation,
Wanting to hold you to my gentle breast
To say I have made you my little friend
Your colorful beauty so astounds me,
So far surpassing Mother Nature’s best
Lovelier shades always make up your blend
Love you, hummingbird, my pleasure to see.

[NATURE]

Submitted to:  "2022 Poetry Marathon Mile 2" Poetry Contest
Sponsored by:  Mark Toney
June 15, 2022

FIRST PLACE WINNER
Written April 28, 2022
Syllables check with HMS
written for "O Form - Ode - New Poems - Poetry Contest"
sponsored by Constance La France

#4 on BEST NEW POEMS LIST
Poetry Soup
May 27, 2022

Details | L Milton Hankins Poem

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

Details | L Milton Hankins Poem

Your Twilight Years

When you reach your twilight years,
It is important to keep an active mind,
Do everything possible to minimize fears
Leave resentments and regrets far behind,

Try not to dwell on all your pet peeves,
But seek out the positives in your life
Stand firmly for your cherished beliefs,
Avoid headaches from pettiness and strife.

Keep in mind you’ve only your life to live
So, try not to take on the lives of others,
Remember it is always more blessed to give
Through serving your sisters and brothers.

Lastly, try not to succumb to needless worry
Or becoming entangled in all kinds of grief
Take your time, there’s no need to hurry
Old-fashioned rocking chairs bring such relief! 

#31 on Best New Poems List
April 27, 2022

POEM OF THE DAY
Poetry Soup
April 21, 2022
Written April 19, 2022

Details | L Milton Hankins Poem

My Thoughts On Psalm 23

Beside the still waters he leadeth me
Shepherd of my wandering soul
I do not want for anything, you see,
My shepherd has made me whole.

I have walked the treacherous path
But I did not need to be afraid
The rod and staff my shepherd hath
I can lie down in both sun and shade.

When I am tired and, oh, so weary
He renews my spirit, replenishing,
Restoring my spirit when I am dreary
Goodness and mercy are my finishing.

I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
And drink of the living water of life
The shepherd gives to all his adored
Who seek peace and flee from strife.

Written June 3, 2021
#40 on Best New Poems List
Poetry Soup
June 10, 2021

Details | L Milton Hankins Poem

Just Saying My Piece

When Poetry Soup becomes infested with partisan rubbish, 
It will be difficult for liberal, creative poets, like me to flourish 
Who seek a safe place away from the maddening ignorance 
Of those people who continually despise political difference 
For those who are angry and want to say the nastiest things 
Do you have any idea what hurt your insatiable blather brings? 

For some who don’t consider me a red-blooded American patriot, 
I fought for the U.S. of A. in uniform when you were still just a tot! 
I would rather die on the altar of honor than continually be castigated 
By followers of a “wannabe” dictator who every day prevaricated 
And sought to drag our country down into the muck and mire 
Continues, to this day, stoking his sycophants’ hatred with fire.

Selecting a political putdown of President Joseph Biden for Poem of the Day 
Was surely inappropriate if Poetry Soup administrators wish to say 
The site maintains neutrality when it comes to political discourse 
It encouraged poets, in their remarks, to choose up sides, of course 
Anger and vitriol hurled toward us who are of more left-leaning mind 
Will likely now become commonplace for those who are not so inclined. 

Frankly, I despise clicking on a poem I think will be worth reading 
Only to find, instead, an anti-American tirade of invective leading 
To put-downs against our president, the vice-president, and first lady 
Half-truths and conspiracy theories that, for the most part, are shady 
If you are unhappy with the free and fair election that turned out your man 
Then, every chance you get, go vote and change the system, if you can! 

Our country is not, I think we’d all agree, a perfect democracy 
We have lots of problems and crises – that's plain to see, but, 
We now have a leader who cares about doing what is right 
A man, who in short-order, is ready, committed, and willing to fight. 
I have travelled the world over, north and south, east and west 
Freedom to flourish in America is head and shoulders above the rest! 


Written:  April 4, 2021 (edited)

Awarded Poem of the Day on Poetry Soup
April 5, 2021

#38 on Best New Poems on Poetry Soup
April 6, 2021

Details | L Milton Hankins Poem

Yearning For Reunion

Ancient, rugged hills worn down by time
I miss the lush green hills of my home
Leaning away from the peaceful valley,
Mountains forged from eons long forgotten
During those prehistoric periods before 
Earliest settlers found the Appalachians,
Already old, tired, and wrinkled, awaiting 
The laughter of young children discovering,
Holding the secrets of ancestors denied
Their birthright by Jacobs and Jacob-ites
Where old waters flow down into new,
New River old, maybe older, than the Nile.

I miss the lush green hills of my home
Leaning away from the peaceful valley
Where John Deere still breaks the ground
In the springtime after a long, hard winter,
And where flowers bloom into October
Especially if Mother Nature allows them.
And she does, for that is her mountain way,
Creating an everlasting yearning for reunion
Back home in those West Virginia hills.

POEM OF THE DAY, December 2, 2021
Poetry Soup
written November 30, 2021

#49 on the Best New Poems List on Poetry Soup
December 8, 2021

Details | L Milton Hankins Poem

In the Forgotten Places

Another hungry, homeless child will die
Parents have no job, no food, no insurance
Undernourished pregnant woman cry,
The Feds give only lip-service assurance.

Most people think it can’t happen here
That welfare supports these pitiful cases,
But, folks, I tell you many live daily in fear
Here in America … in the forgotten places.

In the backwoods no hospitals even exist
Medical help is a long-drive-by-car away,
If they don’t show up, they’re off the list
Forgotten until a tragedy comes their way.

We think everyone has it as easy as we do
Taking little notice of those in abject poverty
Seldom worrying about making it through,
Neglecting to think about life’s other reality. 

Written August 12, 2022
POEM OF THE DAY
Poetry Soup
August 13, 2022

#52 on Best New Poems List
Poetry Soup
October 1, 2022

Details | L Milton Hankins Poem

Worshipping In Nature's Sanctuary

Johnny-Jump-Ups nestle into the forest floor mosses,
Along with dainty Jack-in-the-Pulpits hiding beneath
The larger fronds of swampy ferns soaking up moisture
From the dew-laden flowering branches of laurel
Where I find myself dreaming in the verdant woodland,
Edging the meadow beyond the cluttered beaver stand.

A canopy of vine-entangled branches, a vault-like nave,
Provides a sanctuary of sacred candles dimmed for mass
A pew-less haven for wounded souls, and tiny chipmunks,
Who scurry to find isolated spots for quiet meditation 
While grebes and gallinules make up the choir ensemble;
A purple swamphen takes up the guttural baritone line.

The late morning is mine, sitting along the narrow trail
In a cross-legged yoga pose with arms across my knees,
Soaking up the faint sweet smells of sassafras and pine
And slipping into what I sometimes call my “blue funk”
Where nothing on earth matters outside this quiet shelter,
Dozing softly, I dream of a utopian sweet, elusive peace.  

FIRST PLACE WINNER (TROPHY)
June 25, 2022
Submitted to: "Poetry Marathon Mile 5" Poetry Contest
Sponsored by: Mark Toney

Written on June 3, 2021
Selected for FEATURED POEM
On the front page of All Poetry,
September 13, 2021   

GOLD MEDAL WINNER
"5 Golds or Less - Profanisaurus" Poetry Contest
All Poetry, December 11, 2021

Appeared in "It's Still Poetry"
Poetry Soup Anthology - 2021
CreateSpace, Amazon publication

Details | L Milton Hankins Poem

On Criticizing Others

Rein in those opportunities to criticize
Think of all the good things to be said
Remember to see through others’ eyes.

Or sometimes simply resort to sighs.
In disagreement, merely shake your head
Rein in those opportunities to criticize.

Be a bigger person, even if you must disguise
Displeasures weighing on you heavy as lead,
Remember to see through others’ eyes.

If you announce your woes, it’s seldom wise,
Sometimes they are better not to be read
Rein in those opportunities to criticize!

Is it that you get joy when someone cries?
How easily you could’ve another’s feelings fed
Remember to see through others’ eyes.

For being disagreeable you’ll win no prize,
Hatefulness and sharp words are best unsaid,
Remember to see through others’ eyes, 
Rein in those opportunities to criticize. 

Written December 5, 2022

#54 on Top 100 New Poems List
Poetry Soup
December 11, 2022

#50 on Top 100 New Poems List
Poetry Soup
December 12, 2022

Details | L Milton Hankins Poem

Sing Me That Song

Sing me that song of compelling phrase,
Make me long to dance to your croon
With halting rhythms of a distant place.

I shall look longingly into your face,
Lost in the music, we shall commune
Sing me that song of compelling phrase.

I miss the warmth of your embrace,
Your body swaying ‘neath the moon
With halting rhythms of a distant place.

Those special times I’ll remember always
Though, it seems, you left me too soon,
Sing me that song of compelling phrase.

Love like ours filled with sensual grace
Has kept me anticipating your swoon,
With halting rhythms of a distant place.

I know it is not merely a passing craze
A dreamlike fantasy or a foolish tune,
Sing me that song of compelling phrase
With halting rhythms of a distant place. 

FIRST PLACE TROPHY WINNER
Written July 22, 2022
Submitted to "Anything Goes" Poetry Contest
Sponsored by Mystic Rose Rose