An essay

It would seem that nowadays I see myself being forced to write essays purely about writing essays. I put down my ideas in the exact phrasing I desire, and then I need to change them so as to match a constraint of length. Long, convoluted (and exciting) explanations become dry and cut; while petite ideas easily explained and understood in a flourish are purposelessly stretched out: ending up warped and torn like a piece of cloth that has been stretched too tautly. How to find the perfect length? One that drapes the idea in a comfortable yet practical way.