Eric Paul Shaffer - Instructions for Your First Poem

This is your first poem. You can use it for many things.

It may keep you dry in a sudden storm.
You can take notes on it.
Make a list. Fold it and let it fly.

You can see through it. It's a window to this world.

You can learn to read with it. It may teach you
colors and numbers and shapes.
You can review the sounds of farm animals with it.

Do not use it wisely or sparingly. Don't be careful with it.
Bend, fold, and articulate.

You can use a poem over and over and over
again.
It will always be the same.

Mark it in pencil like a familiar door-jamb.
Every year, when you stand next to it,
you'll see how much you've grown.

Eric Paul Shaffer

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/instructions-for-your-first-poem/