Beautiful Advice
Beautiful Advice
By Alton D. Ray
ENG 122
St. Leo University
Professor J. Pushkin
Beautiful Advice
Growing up is normally considered to be a difficult time in the lives of most individuals. As children, most individuals can recall their parents sitting them down to talk about certain situations in order to give them a bit of advice. Maybe, the majority of the time, the advice may have been for their best interest and at other times just out of simple care. Yet, no matter the reason, it was done for guidance and out of love. Many times children seem to overlook the advice and wisdom of their parents, only to find their best efforts to make choices harder than expected and not as productive as they may have hoped. Yet, there are rare times that one may come across a piece of literature that sparks their interest and engages them in thought and renders a little guidance. One such literary work was read during this term by the class. It is an admirable poem that was created by an American poet by the name of Peter Meinke. The poem “Advice to My Son” is a very enjoyable poem written by American poet, Peter Meinke, which uses contrast, imagery, and a unique rhyme scheme to both engage and entertain the reader; while proving that the wisdom of age is better than the ignorance of youth. Seldom do individuals have the opportunity to view diverse forms of literature while attending courses and it seems as though most of the literary works are created by foreign authors. So, it is nice to view a work by an American author that proves to be both deep with thought and enjoyable for a reader. Not only is Professor Meinke a brilliant poet and author, but he is also a Florida resident. He was born in Flatbush and moved to New Jersey during his teenage years. In high school he developed his love for wanting to become a writer. His graduation year book read, “Wants to be: Writer; probably will be censored” (Meinke 1). A writer is just what Peter Meinke later became. He
By Alton D. Ray
ENG 122
St. Leo University
Professor J. Pushkin
Beautiful Advice
Growing up is normally considered to be a difficult time in the lives of most individuals. As children, most individuals can recall their parents sitting them down to talk about certain situations in order to give them a bit of advice. Maybe, the majority of the time, the advice may have been for their best interest and at other times just out of simple care. Yet, no matter the reason, it was done for guidance and out of love. Many times children seem to overlook the advice and wisdom of their parents, only to find their best efforts to make choices harder than expected and not as productive as they may have hoped. Yet, there are rare times that one may come across a piece of literature that sparks their interest and engages them in thought and renders a little guidance. One such literary work was read during this term by the class. It is an admirable poem that was created by an American poet by the name of Peter Meinke. The poem “Advice to My Son” is a very enjoyable poem written by American poet, Peter Meinke, which uses contrast, imagery, and a unique rhyme scheme to both engage and entertain the reader; while proving that the wisdom of age is better than the ignorance of youth. Seldom do individuals have the opportunity to view diverse forms of literature while attending courses and it seems as though most of the literary works are created by foreign authors. So, it is nice to view a work by an American author that proves to be both deep with thought and enjoyable for a reader. Not only is Professor Meinke a brilliant poet and author, but he is also a Florida resident. He was born in Flatbush and moved to New Jersey during his teenage years. In high school he developed his love for wanting to become a writer. His graduation year book read, “Wants to be: Writer; probably will be censored” (Meinke 1). A writer is just what Peter Meinke later became. He
Cited: Bancroft, Colette. “St. Petersburg gets its first poet laureate: Peter Meinke.” St. Petersburg Times, tampabay.com, 14 May. 2009 Web, Print. 7 Dec. 2011. Meinke, Peter. “Advice to My Son.” Reading Literature and Writing Argument. 4th ed. Longman-Pearson, 2011. 447. Print. Meinke, Peter. “Peter Meinke-Biography.” Google, 2008. Web. 7 Dec. 2011.