Timothy Steele: Advice to a Student

Frame your excuse, when your work is late,      
      By Aristotelian laws.
It is essential that your fate
      Derive from a credible cause.
Fill the instructor with pity and fear:
      You mustn't be afraid
To fabricate deaths of the near and dear
      If this will serve your grade.

Gods-from-machines won't help you pass.
      Only the inept say,
As I was bringing my essay to class
      Boreas blew it away.
Don't get too tricky; unify;
      Keep your tale under control;
Make each part of the alibi
      Suit the organic whole.

Always present yourself as one
      Who, neither saint nor god,
Didn't quite get the assignment done,
      Being tragically flawed.
Art judges not only deeds but intentions;
      Much is allowed to youth.
You may win pardon by means of inventions
      That supersede the truth.