Graphic Design

See those words printed
In factory-bright colors
Along the outside of the mug?

Everyone who composed
One of these memorable strings
Of phrases in the English language

Is dead now. The phrases
Were chosen by someone else,
Presumably at a desk,

Maybe working at a screen,
Maybe surrounded by piles
Of papers and books. Probably

Only searching other screens,
Scanning lists of famous phrases
Of various kinds to use

As designs for this novelty mug
For avid readers, stocking stuffer,
Between reading lights and bookmarks.

Imagine being clubbed to death
By a colorful coffee mug—that is,
If it hadn’t shattered?