Charcoal

I can come in many textures
shades and sizes
i cause many different effects
i'm so full of surprises

sometimes i can be broken
without the right care
i can fade away
but you can tell i'm there

i'm not black
nor am i grey
i'm more effective than colour
i will never fray

i balance the light and dark
i can make an artist's day
but remember i am toxic
and like charcoal, i can be erased away