Home » Poems » L Milton Hankins » This Metaphor of Life

This Metaphor of Life

Alone, I amble through the garden dying Mulling over the ending of another summer, Realizing that all things have their season Comes a sadness with the drooping stems Petals lying on the ground like soft pebbles Tenaciously hugging their fast-fading colors. Do they remember being lovingly touched Fondled upon the briary stem in passing, Or is their life over, tossed aside in autumn When their bloom has faded and cast off Like we humans come to in our end times Lying beneath the earth to rot unnoticed. Seems a subject worthy of consideration As I amble, alone, through this metaphor Of life and its inevitable passing with time To make way for other flowering youth, Who will experience a casual adoration Then fall away to be trampled underfoot. Written September 9, 2022

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 9/13/2022 6:41:00 AM

I like blank verse; I always wondered what it was. I am not sure I could write it though.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/13/2022 8:25:00 AM

Iambic pentameter (although I'm not sure mine is) with no rhyme, and it should flow. You can write it, Caren. Give it a go!

Tom Cunningham

Date: 9/10/2022 7:19:00 AM

Like the flowers and plants we grow and bloom and then wither and die but before that we plant the seeds that will then flourish and bloom continuing the cycle of life. Hope you're weekend is going well Milton. Tom

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/10/2022 7:48:00 AM

Doing splendidly, Tom. Hope you are having a good weekend, too.

Michael Tor

Date: 9/9/2022 2:12:00 PM

Your words convey a sad realization Milton. Love your wording in this one and the reflections you have on life and its appointed season of living and dying for plants, flowers, and people all sharing the same relationship. Very well conveyed as always. Enjoy your weekend my friend and keep on sharing your thoughts...

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/9/2022 4:23:00 PM

Thanks, Michael. I hope you have a marvelous weekend coming up, too. I thoroughly appreciate and enjoy your thoughts.

David Kavanagh

Date: 9/9/2022 2:08:00 PM

The cycle of life Milton, it can perhaps seem pointless, just live, die, repeat, but a lot more makes up true reality, than what we see around us, but I must say your poem is quite brilliantly delivered, the pensive pondering as you observe the garden wilting and decomposing around you in the autumn, simultaneously comparing it to human life and death works so well, I thoroughly enjoyed reading, cheers David

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/9/2022 4:22:00 PM

Thank you, David. You are so kind in your thoughtful comments. I appreciate it.

Jenna Logan

Date: 9/9/2022 1:17:00 PM

That's exactly how I feel about leaves and flowers that have bloomed and now lie withered and dying, but I don't think of people in that way. Can't stand the thought of rotting in a grave so cremation sounds like a viable solution to a problem most don't like the think about. Although a very good recital of your thoughts...Positivity please.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 9/9/2022 1:40:00 PM

Oh, I agree that this displays a rather negative tone, Jenna, but these thoughts are common, I think, when we walk through a garden and find the once beautiful petals on the ground "trampled under foot." Those same petals we once caressed and remarked on their beauty.