Context

Tonight I came across this quote:

"im so glad i brought the else. I was just using up my teeth."

In context, this makes perfect sense (aside from spelling and punctuation errors), and is rather funny. Out of context, it makes no sense, and is still rather funny, but in a different way. I like things like that. If you know what this refers to, you win. If you don't, and can discover what it means, you also win.

The Mug

I reach for a cup with which to ferry,
Water to my parched mouth in the morning early,
And settle upon the ceramic mug I bought that day,
When I spied a student selling his wares at the university,
While strolling along with my dear Maggie, carefree, or were we?

I touch it gingerly through its elegantly curving handle,
and let it fall into my palm, where I hold it firmly.
I realize that I am always careful with this piece,
A simple, utilitarian, everyday object,
Shaped with skilled hands, spun on a wheel,
Glazed and baked at furious heat, unique,
With character and soul.

I let loose the valve,
And the reverse osmosed water pours.
The mug slowly fills,
As if collecting the fall rain show'rs.
Impatiently, I cease the flow, and lift the mug to my lips,
When I notice a thin black strand of hair,
As if from her head,
Draped along the vessel's interior.
I grimace and pinch at it to sweep it away,
And take a drink.

The taste is faintly bitter, as if tainted by harsh memories.
I set down the empty ware, and the hair is still there,
On the outside, but how can this be?
I look closely, and what do I see?
A hairline crack, that has broken its back.
All I can do is let out a sigh and set it aside,
As I don't yet know how to say goodbye.


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I wrote this poem tonight in about forty-five minutes. It was based on my experience from the morning. I was recently inspired by my friends to get back into writing poetry. I hope you don't find this poem too depressing.