HELLO, YOUNG POETS
by John T. Baker
Hello, young poets, wherever you are,
Attend this friendly greeting;
Hot tips galore you've heard before
But some are worth repeating.

Resist the urge to sound profound
(A terrible temptation);
Stress clarity and zealously
Steer clear of obfuscation.

Let less suffice and be concise
In all your composition;
Beware the curse of bloated verse
And gaudy erudition.

Accept advice but disregard
Contentious criticism,
And shed no tear when nitwits jeer -
That's needless masochism.

Observe your peers, rehearse their skills,
Discouraged?  Never show it!
Persist and pray . . . and every day
Thank God you are . . . a POET!