Essay or piece of poetry (3)
I believe the answer is:
try
'essay' is the definition.
(synonyms)
'piece of poetry' is the wordplay.
'TRY' is hidden within the letters.
However, I am uncertain how this is indicated.
'or' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for try that I've seen before include "Go" , "irritate" , "Make severe demands on" , "Bid" , "Aim" .)