Ignore the frumps who will kill you before you start: <br />The English teacher who shrugs at your first piece <br />The editors who judge <br />The great poverty and lack of money of the task <br />No, it will not support you. <br />You can not surrender eating to this deeper passion. <br /> <br />If wise you will read other poets <br />As painters study other painters <br />Louis Untermeyer helped cull my throng. <br />Politely disregard the many who will tell you, you are wrong. <br /> <br />Write, write, write on <br />Publish where and how you can <br />Refuse to be crushed. <br /> <br />The goal not fame or money <br />Some deep part of soul expressed - <br />This alone will grant some rest <br />And someday the creation of the piece <br />That is an experience for those who understand.<br /><br />Bill Grace<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/advice-to-a-poet-at-his-or-her-beginnings/
