INK STAINS

 This morning, I had to refill my Waterman fountain pen. Once done, I noticed I had ink stains on my fingers, which prompted me to slip into a reverie about olden times. Early fountain pens were not as well equipped as the ones marketed today, and they "bled" when writing. As the nib travelled, it would bleed drops of ink across the paper. It was common to have ink stains on one's hands. The same stains attract attention when people spot my fingers dyed blue or black. I am compelled to explain about fountain pens, inkwells, inkhorns, pen converters, nibs, and blotting paper. It never fails: when I pull out my pen in public,  it is welcomed with surprise and interest. It has become a conversation piece. A fountain pen! Who would have thought!