From The Archives: Super Eraser

One boring Christmas morning, I opened up my gift.

With just one present left under the tree,

I once again grew solemn, and sad that we were poor.

Why were there never lovely gifts for me?

My gift was just a ruler, two pencils and two pens,

A small eraser and a pencil case.

My mom, who worked long hours, just wrapped me in her arms,

When she saw disappointment on my face.

“I’m sorry, Spud, I’m sorry. I wish we could have more,

But things have been a little tight this year.”

She held my arms so gently, a twinkle in her eye,

Then leaned back in and whispered in my ear:

“I think that the eraser, while looking fairly plain,

Is quite a bit more special than you think.

I won it in a raffle. It’s cutting-edge and smart.

It rubs out more than pencil lines and ink.”

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I tested what Mum said then. I went in to my room.

It rubbed out pencil, pen, and even more.

I wandered over, pensive, and crouched down very low,

It rubbed the very carpet off the floor!

I moved up to the window. Outside there was some trash.

Some broken chairs and boxes—a whole load.

I rubbed it on the glass then, my eyes were opened wide.

Now no more junk was piled up on the road!

The next hour was a whirlwind of laughs and smiles and fun

As I found all the things I could erase.

The rubbish—gone! The dishes, the weeds all disappeared!

I cleared them all in an eraser craze!

I pondered and I planned, then. I found a secret place

To keep my new eraser safe and sound.

I didn’t want to waste it. I’d use it wisely now.

I’d save it for Mom’s stressed-out worried frown.

I’d keep it for my sister, for when she scraped her knees,

Or when she felt upset or sick or sad.

I sidled up to Mum, then, and hugged her tight and warm.

“Mom, thanks. This is the best thing that I’ve had.”

Image © Robbie Yates 2017

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