Letter to a young poet friend

Listen to this for simplicity, a poem by Basho, 17th century Japanese poet:

Mad with poetry,
I stride like Chikusai
into the wind...

You should keep on reading and writing. There is poetry in your mind.
Somehow the prose influence casts a shadow. By prose, I also mean gross. Once you get to know the idiom of poetry, these five pieces will look altogether different.

Don't say much. Allow the reader to participate. You should give only
the key. Let the reader open the door and enter. Poetry opens the door
to a higher level of understanding of the world around us. I have noticed that poetry blooms in a state of 'let-go,' when one does not exert, but keeps the mind empty of thoughts and listens. Don't make the process laboured. Fly as light as a bird.

Listen to this for simplicity, a poem by Basho, 17th century Japanese poet:

Mad with poetry,
I stride like Chikusai
into the wind...

Chikusai was another poet much admired by Basho.

Stride into the wind, feel it, and write. Walk into the rain and get
drenched when you write of rain. Taste the sweet tang of the plum to
know the poetry of plum. It is an exciting journey when you truly get
into it. All the best.

*****