When I conduct a train the trainer program, I often like to present the trainers with a gift of a new package of Mr. Sketch markers upon completing the course.
Earlier this week, I spent some time working with a team of trainers and once again had the pleasure of introducing the joys of my favorite office supply. During the program, a colleague asked me to do a dramatic reading of a poem I had once written about Mr. Sketch.
I wrote this poem in December 2012, the first year that I was blogging. The words of this poem ring no less true today than they did four and a half years ago. Following is a reprinting of that poem (with all new photos of people enjoying the amazing scents).
If you are so moved do your own dramatic reading of this poem and post it on YouTube and if you send me a link (bpwashburn at gmail dot com), I will send you a fresh, new package of Mr. Sketch markers.

Folks have gathered
From near and from far
Taking their seats…
And there you are
Lying still
Atop the tables
An array of colors
White lettered labels
“Mr. Sketch” someone mutters
Removing your top
Writing a name tag
In the middle he stops
He sniffs
Yes, there’s definitely a hint
Could it be? Could it possibly be?!
Yes, that’s definitely mint

Looking around
All over the room
People in suits
Huffing your perfume!
There’s apple and cinnamon,
Orange and blueberry
Licorice, grape,
Raspberry and cherry
No icebreaker needed
For strangers who walked in the door
Bond and write
And smell and smile and giggle galore

You’re simply the best
This much is true
You don’t run dry or gunk up
You don’t bleed through
The room may be too cold
Or for some it’s too hot
The mic screeches with feedback
No more coffee in the pot
The projector bulb blew
And the DVD won’t play
Mr. Sketch you are my one constant
All through the day