I want to be a prolific writer and poet,
like a chef working in the restaurant kitchen
preparing dozens of wonderful dishes
then ringing the bell and calling for service.
I want to be a prolific writer and poet,
like a football player on a winning streak
scoring a hat-trick of goals every week
with my team at the top of the league.
I want to be a prolific writer and poet,
like those space-programme scientists
designing the gleaming rockets that send
astronauts up to the stars.
I want to be a prolific writer and poet.
I once asked a famous author
for advice for an aspiring writer.
His reply has stayed with me.
Don’t aspire.
Write.