BEING USED WELL
The concept of being “well-used”
In Dickens’ MARTIN CHUZZLEWIT, or EDWIN DROOD…
Has different connotations
From its originations,
We think now of being abused.
–
To wit: being used well,
One had one’s talents to tell…
Which another might coax
To profit you both,
The resultant outcome would be swell.
–
This negative sense of well-used,
Not so easily disabused…
“Used” is being taken
Spit out and forsaken,
The kind of thing of which we’re not amused.
–
Has someone helped you reach your full potential,
Been positive as your personal seneschal…
If thus you are improved
And life has come well-hooved,
Then gratefully say you have been used well!
–Jonathan Caswell
(My college English Literature professors would be pleased.)
By the Mighty Mumford 