The Pen

Lead the finger that steadied the page

heavy the hand that held the pen

resolved the eye that absorbed the last of her whorls

and the last of my own jagged spikes

staccato the roll of the ball, one hundred and forty-four times

each one the same as the last, my mark, me

each one a boot in the face of finality

bittersweet the breath that blew to dry the pages,

forever stained with my blue, her black

skipped the heart, one beat of twenty-one

steady the finger that held lead the page

hardened the hand that gripped the pen

that designed the death of us

Reviews

[John the Baptist]

If I had to guess the meaning of this one, I'd say it is the description of a couple signing divorce papers. The emphasis on finality and death may refer to the bitter end of a relationship that has lasted a long time. The solemnity of the occasion and its impact are reflected in the tone of the speaker's words. Even if there is bitterness at the end, the memories of the good times are still there, and this moment is a death of sorts.

[JR]

I signed yesterday. Then wrote this. And man, you nailed it.

[John the Baptist]

Sorry, man. Take care of yourself.

[JR]

Thanks John. But honestly, I've written it out over the last few months. That's my catharsis. It does really help.