And how did they write
back then? Fluidly?
Or in bursts, punctuated
by the pauses in the
life of the candle’s flame?

Or did the incessant need
to dip the quill into the well
endow the process with a rhythm
that easily translated into the word?

In this age of ephemeral thoughts
it’s so easy to just backspace an error
into digital oblivion. Yet
with pen and ink, each correction
leaves a permanent reminder
of where the poet erred.

Still, does this make the destination
any less elusive? Does contemplating
the next word demand any less time
when hands are poised over a keyboard
than holding a pen in mid-air?

William J. Joel has been a poet, storyteller, and educator for many, many years. Most recently, his work has been accepted for publication in Aunt Chloe. In addition to adult poetry, he has written works for children. In 2008 he was Contributing Editor for two issues of Appleseeds.