The trick is, to live your days

Original Poetry
Translation
The trick is, to live your days
The trick is, to live your days
as if each one may be your last
as if each one may be your last
(for they go fast, and young men lose their lives
(for they go fast, and young men lose their lives
in strange and unimaginable ways)
in strange and unimaginable ways)
but at the same time, plan long range
but at the same time, plan long range
(for they go slow; if you survive
(for they go slow; if you survive
the shattered windshield and the bursting shell
the shattered windshield and the bursting shell
you will arrive
you will arrive
at our approximation here below
at our approximation here below
of heaven or hell).
of heaven or hell).
To be specific, between the peony and the rose
To be specific, between the peony and the rose
plant squash and spinach, turnips and tomatoes;
plant squash and spinach, turnips and tomatoes;
beauty is nectar
beauty is nectar
and nectar, in a desert, saves,
and nectar, in a desert, saves,
but the stomach craves stronger sustenance
but the stomach craves stronger sustenance
than the honied vine.
than the honied vine.
Therefore, marry a pretty girl
Therefore, marry a pretty girl
after seeing her mother;
after seeing her mother;
Show your soul to one man,
Show your soul to one man,
work with another;
work with another;
and always serve bread with your wine.
and always serve bread with your wine.
But son, always serve wine.
But son, always serve wine.
 

Explanation

This poem offers a blend of philosophical and practical advice on how to live a fulfilling life. It begins by suggesting that one should live each day as if it could be their last, highlighting the unpredictability and brevity of life. At the same time, it advises planning for the future, acknowledging that life can also be long and requires preparation. The poem uses the metaphor of planting both flowers and vegetables to illustrate the balance between appreciating beauty and ensuring practical sustenance. It suggests marrying wisely, showing one's true self selectively, and maintaining hospitality by serving bread with wine. The repeated emphasis on serving wine symbolizes the importance of enjoying life and sharing joy with others. Overall, the poem encourages a balanced approach to life, combining immediate enjoyment with long-term planning.

Word Dictionary10

WordIn EnglishPlain (English)Pron.
trickmethoda simple way to do somethingtrik
approximationestimatea rough guess or estimateap-rok-si-may-shun
sustenancefoodfood that keeps you alivesus-tuh-nuhns
nectarsweet liquidsweet juice from flowersnek-tar
honiedsweettasting like honeyhon-eed
vineclimbing planta plant that climbs or spreadsvyn
shatteredbrokenbroken into piecesshat-urd
burstingexplodingsuddenly breaking openburst-ing
shellbomban explosive bombshel
cravesdesiresreally wantskrayvz

Poet & Context

Poet
EraContemporary

The author of this poem is not identified in the available sources. The poem reflects contemporary themes and advice on living life meaningfully.

View on Wikipedia
WhenUnknown
WhyThe poem offers practical advice on living life fully and wisely, balancing the urgency of living each day as if it were the last with the prudence of planning for the future.
FormFree verse

Themes & More

MortalityBalance in LifePractical WisdomEnjoyment of Life
Metaphor: Comparing beauty to nectar and life to a journey.Imagery: Vivid descriptions of flowers, vegetables, and wine.Paradox: Living each day as if it's the last while planning for the future.Symbolism: Wine as a symbol of joy and celebration.
The trick is, to live your days by Peter Meinke — Poem, Translation & Meaning