Melissa Stein

Some people write their stories in pen

While others choose to write in pencil instead. 

I know what’s it like to choose both,

To choose a permanent road or not.

I like to be as confident as a pen.

But I can change what I said with a pencil. 

To not be able to change my past with a pen.

So maybe a pencil is best? 

No matter what I choose they stain my left hand. 

Ink or lead they somehow attach 

leaving me with much doubt 

but with a pen I can always cross out. 

It never breaks but can only run out. 

As a pencil slowly fades away.