Adjuration Poem by Hannington Mumo

In chase of bookish erudition do not despise
These true-felt affections as pretentious guise,
For wit's experimenting practicality higher ranks
Than tommed folios stowed in papered banks.

Wanting simple fame in middling circles,
Do not cringe back from this genuine kiss;
Wishing yourself more honored by knaves
Styled as wits that modern dumbbells miss.

Beyond ordinary reasoning canyons fully think
To know what makes rather minute weights sink;
And more than a commonplace mind's easy flatter
Strive to tell the difference between fat and butter.

Fate's immutable courses will do their best still
If you prove unworthy of the in-depth deliberation
Demanded by the high tide of things here described,
Decreed by solemn duty's call and time's incarnation.

Time's final tallies shall ultimately show
That verifiable sensibilities score more.