Countee Cullen offers a young man some blunt, gentle advice: life is short, and death will cool the blood no matter how strong or proud anyone feels. Since fear can turn even our best abilities into useless clay, there is no point in wasting time on pride or hesitation. If someone is willing to kiss you, don’t hold back out of arrogance or shyness. The poem’s closing lines make the reason plain: the dead have no lips to kiss with, and no desires left. The speaker sounds tender but urgent, like an older friend warning a younger one not to miss the chances that matter. The mood is wistful and a little solemn, but also warm, because the message is not meant to frighten. It is a nudge toward affection, pleasure, and honesty before time runs out.
Advice to Youth — Summary
Since little time is granted here For pride in pain or play, Since blood soon cools before that Fear That makes our prowess clay, If lips to kiss are freely met, Lad, be not proud nor shy; There are no lips where men forget, And undesiring lie.