Ode to the Pencil

by Esther Thornburg
(Cantril, Iowa USA)

Evaluate the pencil's fate
The endless notations it must make
It leaves the message written well
The original story remains there to tell
Indelibly recorded and altered not
Lest the many facts be forgot.

It is the accountant's treasured tool
The advertiser's message pool
It leaves the dreamer's list for 'honey do'
The writers first draft to re-do
It is a souvenir from time gone by
Used up, worn out, usefulness a little bit shy.

Where? Oh where can I a pencil find?
Can I borrow yours, I've lost mine
Somewhere it has been left behind
It was such a treasured toy
Recorded so many enjoys
Can I borrow yours, I've lost mine.