It starts out in your creative night
like a signalling candlefly.
You have to read signals right
to catch its meaning burning bright
it could be that it's a hunter's light
flitting in the darkness
asearch for deer or swift agouti

it may be soucouyant aflame
ball of fire in the night
skin left behind in mortar tight
searching for young blood
to strengthen herself by dawn.

You must not read
the signals wrong
Poetry seizes your imagination
demands your surrender
to its prompting and directions
like a midnight robber

When you accept
the lore and love of poetry
you become one with her
you reach that state of Zen
when you and the world
and everything come together
in one visionary moment.

It's like that with Poetry -
your first child lying on her bed
and a wave of feeling passes over you
as you wonder what sweet dreams
she's dreaming and you thank her
for giving you the name Father.

Poetry is not easy boy you must
prepare yourself for her
stand ready for her
when she comes for you
be ready to catch her.

For she is fragile and must be won
over and over again must be courted
like a woman's love must be treated
with respect must be cherished when won

Don't go thinking you understand Poetry
the journey has just begun
you have to start all over again

You find I don't know what I am saying
Young Man call yourself poet just so
you'll regret it