a pencil

by Elijah Shaw

At the end of my journey

just one more paper,

I've had you all year.

Your graphite is dwindling,

"SNAP!"

Oh no!

How?!

Why?!

My best friend, DEAD

before our last adventure.

I mourn this loss,

nut there's no time to waste.

If I fail this paper there will be no going back.

I turn to my left,

"Do you have a pencil?"

A generous hand gives me his lead,

another best friend

from now til the end.