I was looking for a way to tie the mail

I was looking for a way to tie the mail,

past the coupons for the local jail—

no, for the local pizza place. My mistake.

It’s always a mistake, the things I take

from the bottom of the bin. This blue pen,

it’s been here since I don't know when.

She used to chew it until the plastic turned

to a white, crushed grit. I should have learned

that she was biting through more than the ink.

It’s jagged now, making me think

of how hard she had to clench her jaw

to keep from saying whatever it was she saw.