Focusing on brevity:
* Vignette: This term suggests a short, vivid, and often evocative piece.
* Sketch: Similar to vignette, but can also imply a more informal or incomplete treatment.
* Miniature: This emphasizes the small size of the essay.
* Brief: This is a straightforward and simple term for a short essay.
Focusing on grace and elegance:
* Elegy: While usually associated with a poem mourning a loss, this can also suggest a graceful and reflective essay.
* Meditations: This implies a thoughtful and introspective piece.
* Prose poem: This is a blurring of the lines between poetry and prose, and suggests a lyrical and evocative style.
* Lyric essay: This emphasizes the emotional and subjective nature of the piece.
Other possibilities:
* Essayette: This is a playful and informal term for a short essay.
* Excursion: This suggests a brief exploration of a particular topic.
* Salon piece: This evokes a sense of intellectual and refined conversation.
Ultimately, the best name for your essay depends on its specific content and style. Choose a term that accurately reflects the essence of your piece.