a poem by Peter Meinke

here's a poem by Peter Meinke, written in 1976. I love it for its simplicity, wit and a subtle yet powerful underlying message...

Advice to My Son by J. Peter Meinke
(b.1932)

The trick is, to live your days

as if each one may be your last

(for they go fast, and young men lose their lives

in strange and unimaginable ways)

but at the same time, plan long range

(for they go slow; if you survive

the shattered windshield and the bursting shell

you will arrive

at our approximation here below

of heaven or hell).

To be specific, between the peony and the rose

plant squash and spinach, turnips and tomatoes;

beauty is nectar

and nectar, in a desert, saves--

but the stomach craves stronger sustaenance

than the honied vine.

Therefore, marry a pretty girl

after seeing her mother;

Show your soul to one man,

work with another;

and always serve bread with your wine.
But son, always serve wine.

Written and (C)1976 J. Peter Meinke