phlogiston 1730, "hypothetical inflammatory principle," formerly believed to exist in all combustible matter, from Mod.L. (1702), from Gk. phlogiston (1610s in this sense), neut. of phlogistos "burnt up, inflammable," from phlogizein "to set on fire, burn," from phlox (gen. phlogos ) "flame, blaze" (see bleach). Theory propounded by Stahl (1702), denied by Lavoisier (1775), defended by Priestley but generally abandoned by 1800. "phlogiston." Online Etymology Dictionary. Douglas Harper, Historian. 07 Jun. 2011. There really isn't much more I can or should say about this poem, except that it is one that a favorite teacher and mentor of mine once read to me. It is splendid advice to the young or unpublished writer about not losing heart. But it is also a reminder that doctors are not doctors because they read about medicine; pilots are not pilots because they read the flight manual, or even 150 books about how to fly. "A real writer really writes," the poet says, and so for me this piece becomes not only an encouragement but an indictment for those who dream but don't do. Would you want a mechanic to fix your car if he has read all the specs, and memorized the names of the parts, but has never gotten his precious little hands greasy on a car before? A real poet might not be published, but she has most certainly written poetry. Ok, ambiguous rant over. I hope you enjoyed the video. "For the Young Who Want To" by Marge Piercy Talent is what they say you have after the novel is <b>...</b>