You mean well, let’s concede that from the start.
Only the paranoid would point a pilgrimage of lemmings
towards the cliff edge in the name of art.
Given freely, your intentions are the best,
but poured from a great height, you evaporate
and your effectiveness is rarely put to the test.
To avoid appearing venerable and dogmatic,
the friendly and thoughtful, even playful approach
is preferred, which in itself is problematic.
Knowing there are few short cuts, no easy answers,
you trot out the usual: Read, read, read.
Avoid vanity presses. Don’t expect huge advances.
My advice to you, Advice, is speak your mind,
brutal honesty preventing a lifetime’s rejection.
(Except of course to children, that would be unkind.)
Imagination? Dear me, no. Talent? Not a lot.
Abandon your dreams. Although your heart
is in the right place, your words alas, are not.