Swingline
the box of staples is ancient, edges softened with age
blue ink logo faded like dreams, and yet, it sustains
its function to contain. long strips of thin metal teeth shiny
ready, proud patiently awaiting the swift light in being taken
re-inserted, to be pressed and make permanent a holding
of things, to together items, to uphold the everydayness of
binding
VANESSA SHIELDS 