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The epigram’s a pithy saying,
Full of paradox and wit.

The epithet’s a brief description,
A clever name that scores a hit.

The epigraph’s a type of preface,
Like a lead-in—just a bit.

The epilogue serves as a notice
Indicating time to quit.

The epitaph adorns a tombstone,
Related to who’s under it.

All five are commonly confused,
But in each usage, four don’t fit.


(An earlier version was first printed
in the language quarterly Verbatim)