An Ode to ODEs

It has been troubling me for a couple of weeks.

My lecturer keeps repeating it,

“ODE is an ordinary differential equation!” he says, But I don’t understand it one bit.

Well, an ODE is a mathematical recipe,

With condiments, spice and flavour,

Though it can be befuddling and disconcerting to the brain,

Solving them is an art, nay, a craft to savour.

Separable first order equations are straight forward,

Begin with a bowl and then separate,

Pass it through a kitchen sieve. Let it simmer, and seethe.

Smell the fragrant aroma as you begin to integrate.

Or perhaps you are hungry for a challenge,

And First Order Linear equations are right up your alley!

Multiply with the integrating factor, blend it in with a product rule reversal

And again, integrate. You must not dally.

Second homogenous equations are a herbaceous course,

A tossed salad involving the characteristic equation and its roots,

Let it be distinct, repeated or complex,

Garnish with the particular solution and serve with fruits.

So while you are cramming for your exams,

As they draw closer in less than a few weeks.

Please understand ODEs are a delicacy!

Requiring precision, fluent execution and practice,

Testing the mathematician’s true ingenuity and tricks.

Don’t rush. Chew slowly. Trust the soup.

And lastly, Bon appetit!