She said

go write in your diary,

a desperate attempt to sting

a salted rub of emasculation

–

Silly.

minds need nothing but a medium

any – thing, to absorb the coal

graphite dust

blotted pen

canvas is simply neat – paper simply clean.

though thought

not said:

at least, I have something worth writing

words worked to sting the pores

with a comma and a pause

stop a king in his tracks

bring a god to my beck and call

wrap a leash around a heart

make it vicious

or

peaceful purr –

at least

I write.