Gérard Pons, a 98-year-old poet from Toulon, France, has offered his timeless advice to aspiring writers: 'Take a notebook, write, reread.' His words, shared in a recent interview, reflect a lifetime dedicated to poetry and the written word.
Pons, born in 1928, has been a fixture in the Toulon literary scene for decades. His work often explores themes of memory, the sea, and the passage of time, drawing inspiration from the Mediterranean coast. He has published several collections, though specific titles were not confirmed in available sources.
In the interview, Pons emphasized the importance of discipline and reflection in writing. 'The act of writing is a dialogue with oneself,' he said. 'You must first capture the thought, then refine it through rereading.' He encouraged young poets to carry a notebook at all times, to record observations and emotions before they fade.
Pons continues to write daily, despite his age. His advice has resonated with local literary circles, where he is regarded as a mentor. 'He reminds us that poetry is not about perfection, but about persistence,' said a fellow poet from the Toulon Writers' Association.
