I started with an idea on how to
write this piece. A lot of whining
about the difficulties of working through
mind’s disguises. I thought I’d mention
mental agony, but, Christ, what for?
As I tried to pen the title, my lead
ran out, I was writing nothing…

I have four ‘Pro-Touch’ Sanford
mechanical pencils. When one had bled
its lead-life, I used another. The thing was,
every time I wanted to write something down
or sign my name to kids’ papers,
I grabbed a no-lead pencil…

The Invisible Path is like those pencils.
I was going to write in sonnet-form, another
‘preachy’ piece, trying to direct any mind
I can reach into themselves. But, I continually
run out of lead, without replacing it, dutifully,
and my words are silently nothing…

So, with a sigh of disgust at myself,
I got up from the recliner, with my pencil,
and went to my computer desk. I refilled
my three Stanford ‘Pro-Touch’ pencils
with 0.5mm lead, and searched for the fourth.
This beauty takes 0.9mm lead, is sturdier,
and breaks less under my rushing mind's hand…

I started with a concept, but, as usual,
it twisted itself into restlessness with life.
It seems releasing indoctrination
is more difficult than I had hoped.
I think my .9mm pencil took a walk,
on the Invisible Path, without me, and,
if it comes back, we will have
many stories to share, about nothing.

Erin Elizabeth Kelly-Moen
© Copyright 1/30/05