The First Poets hunted game in the forest and on the plains- br inventing signs and gestures; guttural sounds and mime- br and ultimately Words. br br The First Poets wrote words and drew pictures br on the walls of caves br stamping their feet to drum-beats; br learning to dance. br br The First Poets invented music for their words br religion, books and counting-conjuring up br in each instance-new things. br br The First Poets imagined names for plants, br animals, birds and creatures of the sea; br sang songs about them-wrote poems and hymns. br creating sentiment, vows and promises- br marriage ceremonies. br br Poets invented the idea of the Idea, of kindness, and visions. br Poets invented hope and the future, love of the past, community. br Poets invented the rhythm of our lives. br br Poets re-invent themselves and civilization each generation. br They peer into the gauzy dream and dream what is not yet; br they peer inside themselves br reaching in br with-drawing something new br from that which had not been br there br before. br br The First Poets invent and re-invent civilization each generation.