OF ESSAYING

     To write an essay on the subject “Of . . .”
     As Francis Bacon taught us how to do—
     Of Studies, Of Adversity, Of Love—
     Is an attempt that’s worthwhile to pursue.
     What better way to seek and then to find
     In memories, dreams, reflections as you sit
     And ruminate the matter in your mind
     Those terms and phrases that are meet and fit
     To capture your emerging thought and frame
     Perceptions and ideas unconceived
     Till then, yet worthy of the world’s acclaim
     And ever after honored and believed?
          To essay, then, is more than just to try;
          It shows not only What and How, but Why.

*