Don’t drive a car. Dreaming up a poem <br />is not compatible with judging <br />distances and steering straight. <br /> <br /> <br />Live as long as you can. But think <br />about dying, the dark mystery <br />of death will add depth to your poems. <br /> <br /> <br />Don’t make decisions. Rethink <br />all the time – you, more than most, should <br />know we are all flotsam on a great river. <br /> <br /> <br />Don’t disengage. Live usefully, <br />greet your neighbour, be warm to those <br />you write about – they are your readers. <br /> <br /> <br />Don’t fall in love with the Muse, it’ll only <br />create trouble. Write about happiness – <br />being unhappy is a crowded market. <br /> <br /> <br />Write and then re-write. Even if the poem <br />takes years, make it seem like it took <br />only the seconds it takes to read. <br /> <br /> <br />Anyone can write if they have the time <br />and will, but most prefer the hassle of living <br />to the hassle of words – that’s a comforting thought. <br /> <br /> <br />Be precise, like surgeons or lawyers. <br />Desire, also, to re-shape the world <br />as fundamentally as scientists or soldiers. <br /> <br /> <br />Make your writing seem like no-one else’s, <br />for that you’ll have to ignore any advice <br />given to you – so you can ignore all I’ve said.<br /><br />Paul Archer<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/advice-to-poets/
