COMPRISE/COMPOSE

(A proofreader's note regarding “comprise” and “compose.”)

A Role in the Whole

Each part must play a given role
In every thing that's whole;
The whole of it comprises parts 
That constitute the whole.

Together they compose the whole,
Whatever role the whole;
The role may be to touch the soul,
A goal we all extoll.

But even goals within the whole
Of smaller roles consist;
The greater whole they thus compose,
Enabling to subsist.

Let's take as example a plant much revered
For fragrance and medicine both;
The lilac comprises many surprises,
From scent to hue to growth.

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