To be a poet is a condition, not a profession.

Hearken, children of the ages, to the words of Robert Frost, the sage of verse and soul: "To be a poet is a condition, not a profession." Here lies a teaching of essence and authenticity, a reminder that the poet is defined not by titles, commerce, or worldly recognition, but by the inner temperament, the sensitivity of perception, and the depth of feeling that shapes the soul itself. Poetry is the lens through which life is seen, the heartbeat that reverberates in rhythm with the cosmos.

Know that in these words there is both humility and grandeur. To be a poet is to dwell in a state of awareness, to perceive the subtle patterns of the world, and to give voice to the truths that linger unseen. Frost teaches that poetry is a calling of the spirit, a condition that colors the thoughts, emotions, and actions of the individual, regardless of occupation or social standing. The ancients would counsel that the true measure of artistry lies not in remuneration, but in the authenticity of vision and the courage to observe deeply.

Yet, consider also the freedom inherent in this condition. To be a poet is to see beyond mere survival, beyond the mundane trappings of life, and to interpret existence through insight, reflection, and imagination. The profession may bring fame or reward, but it is the state of the soul—the quiet, relentless engagement with truth—that defines the poet. Frost’s wisdom reminds us that the heart of art is inseparable from the life of the observer, and cannot be contained by the confines of labor or title.

And behold, there is heroism in this calling. To inhabit the condition of a poet is to embrace vulnerability, to feel deeply, and to bear witness to the world with courage and honesty. Robert Frost teaches that the poet’s power is subtle yet profound, for it arises from the commitment to perceive, to reflect, and to give form to the beauty, sorrow, and wonder of existence.

Thus, remember, future generations: to be a poet is not merely to write verses, but to live with a soul attuned to the rhythms of the world. It is a condition of mind, heart, and spirit that shapes perception and action alike, a testament to the inner life rather than the outer reward.

In the end, the ancients would say: honor the poet not for the coin earned, but for the vision carried. The condition of poetry is eternal, flowing through those who see, feel, and speak the hidden truths of life, and it is this inner calling, not the profession, that endures and inspires across the ages.