we agreed
that we're both not big on receiving
birthday and holiday gifts,
but on the act of giving.
"however," she admitted,
"i don't mind small, spontaneous gifts."
seeing how i already broke my thin wooden stir
into nervous pieces, i took hers as
she finished her toasted seasame bagel
slapped with p and j,
and with my pen i wrote on one side:
"[her whole name] IS A WONDERFUL CHANNEL�"
and on the back: "OF GOD'S LOVE."
"now ya got yourself a book mark
to help ya study for class."
"hah!"
"or if ya like cawfee with your ink."
"you mean, 'ink with your coffee.'"
"�� exactly,"
as i stirred my cup
with my pen.