a poem is a living and breathing work of art.
breathe life into your poem with fantastical made-up words,
give it character with personality and finesse.
introduce depth to it by hiding secrets between the lines
and leave your sea shells dotting the tides of the stanzas.
begin it with a flourish,
and never, ever finish it because leaving it imperfect
is like letting it sail on through the adventures of life.