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On How Poets Grow

Poets grow learning basic forms of poetry Exploring them using both free verse and rhyme, Employing basic rules of structure and grammar clear Selecting themes that resonate in their reader's mind. The best poems will come from the poet’s inner soul Helping their readers to gain a new appreciation Of whatever the theme or subject may be; and rarely I think, focusing on personal vendettas or from spite. Young poets, you can describe a virtue in a novel way Write a compelling verse about some thing you saw, Something that none of us has ever seen or heard You can give us something beautiful to think about. I promise, beginning poet, you have many things to say Which are descriptive, meditative, novel, or provoking You can convey to us, your readers, in simplest of terms And we will continue reading you with utter glee. written December 6, 2021 [This poem was inspired by a recent poem written by PS poetess, Panagiota Ramios]

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Caren Krutsinger

Date: 12/8/2021 8:34:00 AM

Nicely penned Hank. Bravo to you!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 12/8/2021 11:51:00 AM

Caren, thank you. I thought we all could use a little boost, and particularly our younger poets.

Christopher Flaherty

Date: 12/7/2021 2:31:00 PM

Correct L.M.H true the very best poems do come from the heart and inner soul agreed

L Milton Hankins
Date: 12/7/2021 3:09:00 PM

Thanks so much, Christopher. How nice to see you comment on my poem. I really appreciate it.

John Lawless

Date: 12/7/2021 10:13:00 AM

Over the years I have "grown" while being patted on the back and at other times when the inspiration was applied a bit lower on the anatomy. Nice write Milton.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 12/7/2021 11:02:00 AM

Thanks, John. That certainly was my experience, too.

Sotto Poet

Date: 12/7/2021 6:52:00 AM

This is a magnificent piece of work! Milton.With an incredibly optimistic message. Sovereign feelings drive those who write favorably, and it is fantastic if they are endowed and eager to share their work. I hope to accomplish something innovative with you and write a poem with your extensive collaboration.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 12/7/2021 11:03:00 AM

Thanks, Lasaad. I really appreciate your confidence in me and your thoughtful comment. I'm not much one for collaboration, actually, but it's nice of you to consider me worthy.

Mark Koplin

Date: 12/7/2021 6:10:00 AM

A very positive message Milt! We seem to get poets who stand on their soap box preaching how good they are in one sentence and then name calling in the next. Wonderful write!

Mark Koplin
Date: 12/7/2021 3:45:00 PM

Some of that fruit is getting old and bitter

L Milton Hankins
Date: 12/7/2021 11:05:00 AM

Thanks, Mark. Yep, that seems to be the case with some of our poets here on Soup. And, I think we must begin to call them out on it, frankly. This is such a good site; I hope we can keep it so, remembering that every crate has at least one or two bad oranges!

Mike Gentile

Date: 12/7/2021 5:18:00 AM

I agree Milton, The best writes are inspired by deep feelings and if one is willing and able to share, it's wonderful! A lovely tribute to poets!!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 12/7/2021 11:06:00 AM

Thank you, Mike. I couldn't agree more. I love discovered a new, younger poet who is just trying to find their niche. It is so refreshing.

Jenna Logan

Date: 12/6/2021 4:48:00 PM

Dear Milt, how wise you are to give honest ways in which a poet can mature in their writing ability. You don't compare them to a mindless macaw or a dull sofa cover. Geeze, what kind of pretentious drivel is that? It's the kind that comes from a personal vendetta and a spiteful mind. Constructive criticism and encouragement, as you mention, is the way to enlightenment as a poet. Thank goodness your heart is noble, and rights the wrong advice offered by one who resonates negativity. Thanks!

Jenna Logan
Date: 12/6/2021 5:58:00 PM

A disarmament...removing live ammo(ink)from a weapon(pen) and proving it to be a dud(filled with water). Yep. I knew sooner rather than later she'd force you to name her, and now it's done. She's been calling a lot of us rude names for some time.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 12/6/2021 5:52:00 PM

Thanks so much, Jenna. I just had to "respond" in a positive way to her negativity and obviously barbs. But, I wanted it to be positive, educational, and linked to her, which is why I gave the note beneath my poem, and why I put in the one line about writing out of vendetta and spite. You got it, girl! If she stays, then we have to do this sort of thing to, at least, try to get around her nastiness and poor excuse for writing. Period!

Jeannie Cronin

Date: 12/6/2021 3:56:00 PM

Very encouraging, well done!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 12/6/2021 5:52:00 PM

Thanks so much, Jeannie. I so appreciate your thoughts and your encouragement.

Bill Baker

Date: 12/6/2021 3:55:00 PM

Nice message Milt. I just sent you soup mail. A message came up when I hit sent that said too long. I assume it did not send. I broke msg inti Part 1 and Part 2 and resent. Sorry if you got the first one also. Bill

L Milton Hankins
Date: 12/6/2021 5:54:00 PM

I did, Bill, so I was able to read the whole thing in one missal. Thanks so much. So enjoyed learning about what you and Sara are up to. I'll write again soon. The first part of my week is tied up with doctor's appointments, etc., etc., etc.