The Ancient Poets Poem by robert dickerson

They didn't work but garnering no wage
levied the patronage of court and king-
thinking song too rich or poor a thing
for market barter, they composed their page
freely in Poetry's glittering, gilt-edged tome
knowing well the heavens would laugh from harm
the wine-soaked jerkin and the hill-clef farm
and furnish for their table ample crumb.
Each was fool for Love, if truly bard,
believing Love the brightest bane of all,
but studied war, and none to serve was chary;
they feared the gods but taxed them none too hard;
in friendships' favor all were prodigal;
none died too young and none could brook to marry.