ARS POETICA

Feelings that dwell above the word

must his poems express
& purchase what he can afford
with Wit and wily Cleverness

(Nothing must he picture right-out
in Stark topography
only: suggest, create Doubt,
wreak subtlest geography)

The Future'll bear witness to His Gift
or just condemn him for his idle sport

--It may not matter, though: If he is swift enough
in Death they'll never bring him into Court

(for any evenhandedness of his or odd pairings-off)

Although: he may still be hanged by a wart
Who knows!... What poet wouldn't love to be THAT short?