He enrolled in the US Navy in 1898, at the age of 15, saw battle in the Spanish–American War, and served in the Philippines, Japan, and China. During an expedition up the Yangtze river, Metke saw the impact that deforestation and uncontrolled logging could have on the environment; this experience would strongly influence his poetry.
He enlisted in the US Navy in 1898, at the age of 15, participated in combat during the Spanish–American War, and served in the Philippines, Japan, and China. During a mission up the Yangtze river, Metke witnessed the effects that deforestation and unchecked logging could have on the environment; this experience would profoundly impact his poetry.