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(A proofreader's note regarding “explicit” and “implicit”)

The “ex” of “explicit,” the “im” of “implicit”
Do signal a difference most clear
These adjectives have in the meanings they’re given,
Though same in the suffix they share.

Their Latin ancestors have contrary actions;
To “fold” as a verb they relate.
“Explicit” derives from “unfold” (think “unravel”),
So “fully revealed” is its state,

Like “clearly expressed” and “fully developed”
And “open in sexual themes”
(With rational link to exposed as a concept);
“Unambiguous,” too, which redeems.

“Implicit,” instead, from “to fold on itself,” has
“Not stated/revealed” as inherent;
“Discernible/understood sans an unfolding,”
“Involved in its nature apparent,”

“Not lessened by doubt,” and “implied, not unraveled”--
These meanings all harbor a clue:
“Implicit” elicits “implied” and “embedded”;
“Explicit”—“explained” as its due.
  
“The rules of the project were brief but explicit,
Though one was implicit, it seemed:
Implied was the need for correctness of spelling,
Implicit since words would be gleaned.”

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