For Want of a Verb

 Working on an essay today when I needed a term I couldn't conjure.

Me:

For want of a verb, an argument was lost.
For want of an argument, an essay was lost.
For want of an essay, a publication was lost.
For want of a publication, a CV was lost.
For want of a CV, a career was lost.
For want of a career, an academic was lost.
And all for the want of a verb!

Kate: OMG stahp!

Me: No one appreciates my pastiches.

Kate: I appreciate the wine I'm about to go pour.