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 signed up for the US Navy in 1898 at age 15, took part in battles during the Spanish–American War, and worked in the Philippines, Japan, and China. During a journey along the Yangtze river, Metke noticed how forest clearance and unregulated logging affected the environment; this experience would significantly affect his poetry.