(Advice to Young Poets)

A title that tantalizes

The state of not getting the object of one’s affection.
The use of such active verbs as anticipating, longing, yearning, aching

Colors such as vermillion. Textures such as silk and velvet, but no synthetics.

The omission of such descriptive words as frumpy, forgetful, and fidgety.

Ennui, or world-weariness, is sexy, especially accompanied
by a black turtleneck sweater and coffee

But boredom is not.

The hint of a smile, the subtle suggestion, the direct gaze, the sidelong glance

Meter that corresponds to the beat of a distant drum

Food descriptions are sexy, especially those that include butter
and the word “slathered.”
As in, butter slathered on French bread or a baked potato, buttered popcorn,
and lobster tail with drawn butter.

Images of trimmings: pom-poms, tassels, frosting, fastenings, unfastenings

Pacing: slow and steady or fast and furious

An attitude of nonchalance

The inclusion of certain fruits: strawberries, grapes, cherries, but not raisins.

Juxtapositions are sexy, as in soft vs. rough; sweet vs. edgy.
Silk is lovely, but silk against tweed is sexy. Lace is charming, but lace against
leather is fetching.

The mention of chocolate, especially dark chocolate

Crescendos, multiple crescendos.