I don’t care that you’re
fat and heavy.
Or that you have holes in your face.
I just care that you are
sturdy and reliable.
I don’t need to know your age.
You have been good to me
and I have been good to you.
I help empty your stomach
when you get full.
I know that we sometimes argue.
You say that the tip is sharp,
but I keep the pencil in just a bit longer
because I feel it could be sharper.
You are not like those puny
short and slender sharpeners.
They make me work for their love
while you give it freely,
and that is why I will always be in your debt.