A Thought on Fifty Words

Is it unfair, I wonder, to
Promise fifty words
And preface them - those promised few -
With countless extra terms?

Does anyone think deep inside
"Oh, great - a quick, short post!"
And then get mad at seeing the
Introductory remarks?

Italics should, please, serve to warn
Of words not in the count
But all in all, I'm careful to
Not exceed the set amount.

Italics, though, (from Emily)
It's proper not to use too much.
I use them not for emphasis,
Not to give a special touch -

But just to warn my readers fair
That something extra resides here
Heroic couplets not to fear
This last line will not rhyme.