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(A proofreader's note on “discreet” and “discrete.”)

Although the plan was now complete,
Its crafters had been too discreet;
Some members mocked the pure conceit 
Of those who worked on crew discrete.

This latter few, to be discreet,
Had kept all parley close indeed,
And members of the trusted group
Were individual “joes” by creed,

Whose lives were separate, thus “discrete.”
If separation is implied,
A gap between the e's is clue,
Enforced by “t” and safely plied;

But when the two are cheek by jowl,
The word expressed must be “discreet,”
Judiciousness in act or speech,
With emphasis on silence neat.

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