THE USES OF ADVERSITY
Fairer is the manuscript
When the reed is clipped;
Clearer runs the message, when
There's trimming of the pen.
Dimly burns the lantern,but
When its wick is cut
Perfect will its lustre be
Through the wick's dificiency
Note:Anonymous-the poet's name is not known.
The first stanza
Line 1: manuscript: document written by hand.
Line 2: reed: a pen made from a dried reed.
Line 3: trimming: the point of the reed needs to be sharpened from time to time.
Emoticon