![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.stefanhammel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/The-pencil.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe Pencil<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Each of us has written with a pencil. Some of us have favorite pencils, while others simply grab the first one at hand to write or draw with. When needed, we sharpen our pencils. And the more we use them, the shorter they become.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If a pencil happens to be our favorite, we sharpen it more often. And so it grows shorter and shorter. Some people keep writing even when the pencil has become so small it is hard to hold. Others throw it away when it is only half-used, or change pencils so often that they rarely need to sharpen one more than a few times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Still others use a pencil until the very moment it is no longer comfortable to hold, when it begins to cause pain or strain in the hand. At that point, they may pass it on to a child, whose smaller hand can still use it, keep it as a spare, or simply let it go\u2014because it has already given the best it had to offer. And it has left behind a trace full of meaning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When a pencil fits well in one\u2019s hand, the lines it leaves are steady and sure. When we are used to the shape of a pencil, our grip is relaxed and the line is stable. But if the pencil becomes too small, or we fail to sharpen it regularly, it makes our work harder\u2014it causes discomfort, the lines grow shaky and uncertain, and our hand twists awkwardly, distorting the image or words we want to leave behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And what about you? Do you have a favorite kind of pencil? Do you take care of it? Or do you switch pencils every day? What gives you the greatest comfort\u2014a well-sharpened tip, or one slightly dulled, leaving just the right mark for you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I love writing with a pencil. Do you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
September 28, 2025 A story by Bobby<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thank you, Bobby, for your wonderful story. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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