I’ve been straining my brain to explain my views clearly;
Though in rhyme, I assure you, I write sincerely.

I offer advice I'll share, sir or m'am, 
beliefs that define the person I am.

You may think presumptuous, my temerity, to advise,
but this is a contest, so go easy, you guys!

I have no lack of viewpoints, like them or not;
 This came on short notice, but here's what I've got:

Avoid the trends, don’t follow the crowd.
Of being average, never be proud.

But don’t try to copycat Dean or Longfellow;
There can be only one of each fellow, you know.

Do not write things that bore you - just ones that inspire.
Stop striving to do good work......Set the bar a lot higher!

Make big moves cautiously, to safeguard your gizzard.
Don’t mistake an alligator for an ordinary lizard.
That metaphoric suggestion is not mega-deep.
In essence, it urges to ”Look ere you leap.”

Here’s a guideline to which I’m sure you’ll relate
Always be humble (which is hard when you’re great).

Don’t sweat the small stuff, there’s big stuff enough.

Old ”dogs’ can learn new tricks. There’s vast virgin vacancy there in your brain.
Understand, with longevity comes aches and pains,
Your extra years are a bargain, so do not complain.

Consider folks you don’t know as your sisters and brothers
Everyone deserves fair treatment, but friends more than others.

These thoughts have been my watchwords, if only a few.
They're effective for me, but maybe they're not for you.