THE WIDTH OF WITH

​Here's a simple word that has several different meanings depending on context. For those of us who like to write, it's a relief knowing that the rules for accompanying commas are not nearly as numerous!


With meanings multitudinous,
It stars in many spheres;
Yet humble is this tiny word
That's known as “with” to peers.

It merely serves in front of nouns,
A link for items prior,
While in this prepositional role,
Conspiring to inspire.

It fills with awe all those who see
The subtly varied sense
Conveyed in ways for granted took
Regardless of one's lens.

At times it says “in company of,”
Or “as a complement to,”
Or “using,” “given,” like “despite,”
And “of ingredient,” too.

Then “in possession of” no less
Than “in the manner of”
Along with “an associate of”
Are synonyms enough.

“He walks with Liz, who smiles with glee
And sprightly with new shoes.
They go well with her frock, you see,
While made with silk in twos.

For those who write with pen and ink
And think of comma's place
(Perhaps a tutor still with school,
Who stands with book at grace),
 
It's known that “with” no comma takes
Unless in rare estate,
At sentence mid or near the end 
For nonessential fate.”

Let's toast this word so versatile,
Though yet in letters short.
Let's drink to speech unlimited,
With nary a drunken snort.


*The key:
He walks with Liz… (“in company of”)
Who smiles with glee… (“in the manner of”)
And sprightly with new shoes… (“in possession of”)
They go well with her frock… (“as a complement to”)
While made with silk… (“of ingredient”)
For those who write with pen and ink… (“using”)
Perhaps a tutor still with school… (“an associate of”)
Who stands with book… (“in possession of”)
​With meanings multitudinous… ("given")
With nary a drunken snort… (nonessential phrase at end of sentence; separated by a comma)