Standing at attention
like the yogic mountain pose
spine straight, almost defiant.
Front and back cover
holding together
pages pressed firmly,
bound at the seams,
curbing lurking disarray from
free-floating in the wind.
On the outside, solid and steady,
a sliver of statistics
fitting in a curve, drawing in, pushing off.
Eliciting intrigue or a scoff.
On the inside, fever and frenzy,
a spectrum of spirits, a salmagundi of stories,
triggering memories,
storming hearts, drawing tears,
stretching minds, igniting souls.
Are we not all a little bit like a book?
Pining for perusal
coveting connection
craving to be cradled
aching for acceptance.
Each, a volume speaking volumes,
resonating and falling flat,
sacred and banned,
prized and junk,
truth and fiction,
humor and tragedy,
neither but both,
dog-eared and pristine
and everything in between.
Every last one, a limited edition.
+++++++++++++++++
Linking to Magpie Tales for the first time
and to One Shot Wednesday.
{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
Belinda,
“Are we not all a little bit like a book?”
I think you nailed it girl!
rel
Interesting words. I like this poem. My magpie: http://verseinanutshell.wordpress.com/2011/05/16/open-book/
–and thus, in a poem, you have also touched on why actual, held-in-the-hands books made of paper and ink are so comforting in a way that digital ones can never replicate. I love this
oh i would certainly be a banned book, kept under the pillow…lol…we are all books just waiting to be read…
This was awesome, Belinda. I love books – the whole tactile experience of reading and being transported or grounded and informed. What a wonderful thought to contemplate, Belinda. Now I’m trying to figure out what type of books my family and friends would be. I’d be slightly dog-earred, out of print, but hopefully one that is visited often.
I love books, and I love where you went with this. Beautiful!
So, you do this all the time. I sweat and bleed and die to make a poem. But you poets, you poets get to throw these out – just as pretty as this one – like you’re breathing in the air and exhaling Majesty. It’s just not fair.
You made the books on the shelf come to life. The picture only added to it all. I can’t say one line from it was my favorite, I kinda hearted every single line. Wish I could write like this
Thank you for this – it wasn’t an easy day – challenges slowing me down – discouraging news – not lots of fun. But this was fun. So thank you – smiles are important – and this was clever and witty and made me smile. God bless and keep you and all of yours this day Belinda.
You are correct, we are like books in many different ways. Lovely, articulate poem.
Fabulously shared. Definitely a bit of adventure in this volume, steadily sharing the tale.
you made the books human here and us humans pages, waiting to be read…very nice
Like this – we are indeed like a book and authors of ourselves – but are we writing fact or fiction?
Anna
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Love it! I didn’t know where you were going with this one, but it’s right on. Come cradle and connect with my tragic humorous self
Indeed we very much are like books. As a bibliophile this resounds well with me. An excellent pen, Belinda.
Brilliant. Love how you weaved this metaphor.
very satisfying piece,
books are soul food, thanks for the live feed…
Beautiful and profound. A true work of art!
I really really really love this. If I had the time or energy, I might even have a sensible and poetic reply back. Instead, I’ll tell you that you inspire me.
stunning magpie tale.
keep it up.
How very true! An enjoyable read. Thanks!