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Rules for Young Poets

by Ngoc Nguyen

In the labyrinthine depths of the written word, where young poets dare tread, an ancient whisper echoes: be true to yourself, your art, and your world. This guidance, harking back to the oracle's advice and carrying the weight of a writer's eternity, blossoms in the mind like a flower against the canvas of barren winter.

Ah, such an undertaking of self-authenticity promises the rare gift of fulfillment, that nourishing nectar drawn from the fount of unvarnished truth. It is a path laden with the golden grains of purity and integrity, walked by those in pursuit of the sublime symphony of art. A symphony that resonates within the soul, harmonizing with the universe's chorus and silencing the disquieting whispers of deceit.

A poet true to themselves finds comfort in the caress of authenticity, basking in the solace it bestows. Their quill becomes the beacon, painting on the canvas of time, free of shadowy falsehoods. This sense of harmony breeds an air of tranquility, an oasis for the poet who becomes a living testament to their epoch, their conscience clear as they breathe life into verses under the divine afflatus.

And what of the world, the audience in the theatre of poetry? They, too, are drawn, as if by a gravitational force, to the authenticity of the poet's lines, to the honest expression of existence. As one clings to the comforting warmth of sincerity in life, love, religion, politics, so too, in art. The audience seeks to feed their intellect with works that radiate truth, that provide nourishment for the soul, akin to the scriptures, the timeless works of Shakespeare, the epic poems of Homer, Virgil, and Milton.

To be seen as a tapestry of honesty, the poet must imbue their work with an adherence to the laws of verisimilitude, providing an echo of the truth that resonates in the halls of literary quality. In doing so, they garner the loyalty of their audience, extending their influence beyond the transient realm of mortality.

The celestial realm, the divine gaze that observes the tapestry of creation, acknowledges the authenticity and sincerity of the poet. They, the scribes of truth and wisdom, stand approved before the divine tribunal. These architects of verses, commissioners of noble purpose, store for themselves treasures of the eternal kind. Yet, let it be known that a worthy God cherishes not the disseminators of untruths, for they fade away like the echo in the darkness, leaving no mark upon the pages of existence.

And in the face of adversity, the poets of truth remain untouched. Their integrity stands as a shield against the slings and arrows of slander. For in their mirror-like verses, they capture the essence of existence. Any scorn they may receive is but a fleeting storm, soon to be replaced by the sunshine of divine protection.

As for God, He provides a haven for those who echo His truth in their verses. Their words, imbued with divine authenticity, stand the test of time, promising their place in the hallowed halls of poesy. Their poetry lives on, a testament of their existence, echoing through eternity. For truths are God's own language, and those who speak it will be remembered. They are granted the gift of literary immortality, a divine promise bestowed upon those whose verses capture the timeless truths of existence. And so, the path to Parnassus is paved with these very truths, as poets, young and old, make their pilgrimage to the shrine of poesy, guided by the eternal whisper: be true.



Book: Reflection on the Important Things