Ph: Poetry Writing: Advice To Young Poets Poem by Brian Johnston

It never is an easy ride
And I don't mean to deride,
But your imaginative sense,
Far exceeds experience.

Of course you must learn how to fight,
Gird your pen for unmanned flight,
By never making yourself wrong,
Though your youth sullies the song.

Youth's insights are sometimes shallow,
Tend fields that should stay fallow,
But plant your grain and pray for rain,
Do not exaggerate pain.

Remaining true to you today,
Welcome muse, chips fall as may,
Though muse may always be your guide,
Color's just yours to decide.

A skeleton the muse gives you!
Living poems come to view,
With flesh, with heart poet donates,
No life served on silver plates.

For poem's sake share what is true,
Then you'll know what's next for you,
Your history's all you need know
To preserve the poem's flow.

A clever title serves your need,
(And reluctant muse can feed)
Often gets the juices flowing
When no sure path is showing.

A dream can sometimes give release
To deep feelings seeking peace,
When you're at war help you discern
Moves to make the battle turn.

Try to stay close to what you love,
Don't waste time on what's above.
Know it's just you that you're selling,
Make peace with fears you're quelling.

And no, not once forgo the chance
With living poems to dance
With humble, breathless savoir-faire,
Please escort her from her chair.