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VPR Selection -- Tuttle

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Submitted by Lovebug on Thu, 04/19/2012 - 1:12pm

Writing Words

by Paige Tuttle

(Editor's note: This was selected for publication on vpr.net. Each week YWP selects a top story to be highlighted by Vermont Public Radio. If you'd like your piece to be considered, RECORD yourself reading the piece and upload the mp3 the audio. Put in the keyword podcast. For more selections: http://www.vpr.net/program_archive/229/)

You may think I'm only good for writing words.

You may use me only for your advantage,

You might only pick me for my flower or smiley face pattern

But let me just say that I am more then just an utensil to help you get your task done.

You have no idea how much pain I have to endure just so you can sharpen me to the point.

Then I just break.

Then once again you sharpen me.

You sharpen and sharpen and sharpen me. Oh the pain.

You sharpen me until I am just a little stump.

Then you throw me in the plastic bag next to your teacher's desk.

In that bag I find comfort for only a short time.

Because before you know, I find comfort once again at a place you call "the dump."

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Submitted by Skidooshe on Sat, 04/21/2012 - 4:10pm.

I really love what you did and think that you tell this story in a really compelling way. Just being a pencil seems so mundane, and yet you made it "holy" and precious. Careful about your grammar in a few areas, but for the most part it's a really terrific poem, with a fun yet--surprisingly--sad ending. My appreciation for pencils will never be the same and I'll certainly be more aware of how I use them.

Poem feedback

Submitted by kcournoy on Sun, 04/22/2012 - 6:27pm.

This poem is wonderful in its simplicity. It's amazing that you decided to reflect on something that is so generic. We use pencils everyday without even realizing the masterpieces that they create. A pencil can be a hair piece, it can create a story that changes somebody's life, it can open conversation if lent to a friend in need, a pencil can be used to create a work of art. I applaude you for redirecting our focus to the present moment and all the magic that can come from something so simple if we just stay in that moment. I also would caution you to re-read your poem a few times for G.U.M errors. Not to worry, I have that issue all the time:) Beautifully done!

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Submitted by cbellime on Tue, 04/24/2012 - 12:22pm.

I think you do a nice job of expressing emotion in this poem. It is very easy to relate to because everyone has used a pencil at some point in their life, sharpened it, had it break, and then eventually thrown it away. Therefore, it is really easy to follow because you have beautifully described each of these things. There are a few grammar errors so I would suggest to carefully read over each line again (out-loud to yourself) to see if what you're writing really makes sense to you. Overall, I think you did a wonderful job with this poem and once you re-read it and correct the grammar it will be superb!