20-12-31
You know, usually
I just use any old pen.
It’s better that way.
Nondescript ballpoint
From a bank that’s since been acquired by a bigger bank
And whose local reputation outstripped its community engagement
When it came down to brass tacks.
The pens work.
Consistently
One less thing to worry about.
(Not an endorsement)
And yet
There was a time
And I say this seeing people who religiously use fountain pens
• people who’ve never been a Bar Mitzvah
That I felt strongly about the pen I used
The kind of pen
The flow of the ink
The blue
Is writing intentional?
Happenstance?
I don’t mean perfunctory,
But a necessary action of no inherent consequence
The pleasure of the act
The risk of smudges
Is it worth it to use a better pen?
More expensive
Must be bought at some point
What if it leaks?
in your pocket.
There goes that shirt
Those pants
That article
of clothing.
There’s no turning back.
So when it feels necessary to make a choice,
to edit,
If there’s an option
I just might insist
On using the blue uniball pen.
Assuming I can find it.