Advice.

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

"Advice to my Son" is the best poem out of the gallery walk because of its great and honest advice. His word choice is simple but yet complex in a way. His subject on life towards his son is somewhat vague but very solid and to the point which gives it a good tone. The tone is very serious and inspiring and is definitely something that would be remembered. I like that the advice is less strict than advice that you would see an everyday dad give. He gives his son the perfect advice by showing him freedom pays through not worrying about the future and then balancing it out with honest deeds. J. Peter Meinke sums up the meaning of his poem with "always serve bread with your wine. But, son, always serve wine." meaning , always keep an honest soul (bread) in mind when having fun (wine), but always have fun (wine).