Striptease – A Poem by Rowe Williams

Pen clicks thrillingly
 as ballpoint emerges, all ferocity and pomp,
Eager to devour a page, or two,

or a hundred, if it isn't stopped.
Transforming thought from ether to fresh ink
with the efficiency of a world war munitions factory.

Its lustrous smooth plastic is painted in imitation 
of metal, belying its inexpensive, but not cheap, production.
The vulgar shine of this paint is balanced

by the supple grip of dark rubber, friction
delicately calibrated. Each stroke is a mystery
soon to be uncovered in lustful tryst.