Summary of “Ode to Literary Puffery”: This short, humorous poem playfully mocks the pretentiousness of overly complex writing, dubbed “literary puffery.” It pokes fun at writers who use convoluted words and sprawling metaphors to say something simple, portraying them as self-important show-offs. The poem calls for clear, honest art that speaks to the heart without the need for grandiose fluff, urging writers to ditch the ego and embrace simplicity.

Oh, literary puffery, so grand,
You strut with words no soul can understand.
Ten syllables to say a simple thing,
Yet still you preen, proud peacock of the pen!

Your metaphors, a labyrinthine sprawl,
Confuse the heart and weary one and all.
Drop the facade, let clarity arise—
True art speaks plain and needs no pompous guise!

Hope that gave you a chuckle! Want to tweak it, add another jab, or try something else?