The young poet

„Whoever thinks a faultless piece to see,
thinks what ne’er was, nor is, nor e’er will be.”

Pope’s Essay on Criticism, II, 253-4

How oft inspired are they of lofty heart,
impetuous will, who strive to reach the plane
above mediocrity ! Through muse and pain
the writer generates a nobler art.

The poet, though he strive to do the more,
appreciated is by few who rate
the rhythmic tone refined, who estimate
at worth the aims of those whose minds do soar.

All inspiration comes in waves, at times
what wit does summon one may scarce expect.
The trying on of words – mere rugged tool ! –
essential is to fashion verse in rhymes.

Yet feelings matter more than intellect,
than any hackneyed rhyme or empty rule.

Epilogue

Inspired are also they who can – but never write,
who sense each pulse and see the rainbow’s many hues.
How happy they and free, although they hear the Muse,
they live for life and not for trophies or for might.