The square wouldn't fit the answer wouldn't come

The square wouldn't fit, the answer wouldn't come,

my pen point pressed too hard, then slipped.

That cheap plastic ruler, numb

in my hand. A sudden, angry grip.

I bent it over my knee, quick and hard,

heard the sharp, satisfying crack. A sound

like anger, played on a tiny card.

Then two useless pieces, on the ground.

White plastic, jagged, like a bad tooth broke.

My heart dropped, a stupid, wasted heat.

Just a ruler. But the impulse spoke

volumes, a small, cheap, quick defeat.