Advice To A Poet Poem by Robert Eckstein

I've seen ruined castles on the Rhine,
And temples on the Mekong too.
I've been there, done that (don't ask what)
And been shot at a time or two

Poets who dote on teddy bears
And always rhyme the Moon with June
Seek a limp-wristed audience
And not real men with real mens' cares.

Food, drink, comrades, and bitter death
A woman's love; these things are real
Sing of these to your final breath,
Not cheap sentiments you do not feel.