Poem A Day, 021

For today’s prompt, write a “back to basics” poem. For me, back to the basics means jumping to the fundamentals. Maybe it’s me re-learning (or practicing) fundamentals–like running or writing–but it could also be a child learning how to tie his shoestrings, which can be a unique experience for both the child and the adult trying to give instructions and advice. Back to basics could also be re-setting a state of mind or getting back into a routine. In a way, spring is a season that gets back to the basics.

I'm behind again on Poem A Day, but this one will fit for the 21^st. It's Back to Basics for me because it has a rhyme scheme and meter, so yeah... old school! For all of my librarian friends, I'm sorry. I was traumatized by the librarian at Vidor High School, though I don't even remember her name.

The Truth About Books

The truth is, I don't love libraries

Though I'm seldom without a good book.

A strange confession

in my profession,

And it probably bears a close look.

The truth is that libraries scare me.

I'm embarrassed by how slow I read.

Now like my brother

or any other

who devour whole books with such speed.

I likewise shrank from librarians

who ruled us with judgmental chagrin

a finger on lips

a harsh whispered hiss

So I rarely went back again.

A book is a world I crawl in to.

I like to get lost in its pages

Wrapped up within worlds

A story unfurls

in all its archetypal stages.

My heart envelopes each character.

I obsess over themes and theories.

So I, over time,

accrued many fines

enough to buy the whole series.

So now I'm devoted to bookstores.

I can peruse with impunity.

I order online,

without fear or fines,

to restore my continuity.

When you own a book, it's a treasure

You can dog ear or highlight a verse

when it makes you cry,

you can scribble, “WHY?”

or scrawl out a vehement curse.

Because books should be interactive,

we should embrace the soul of a text,

Despise the writer?

Call her a blighter,

Then pick up to read what comes next.

You can tell when a book is cherished

by cracks and creases on its spine,

so never judge me

and never charge me

for not returning a book on time.

The truth is, I battle with shyness

and for me, my books were an escape

the day-to-day fears

of bullies and tears –

only books could make me feel safe.

So now to my family, I'm grateful

for their devotion to written words.

A book is a gift,

a spiritual life

with the plentiful passions they stir.

I tell you, it makes no difference

if it's bound or a Kindle or Nook.

Classic, hardback, or new

Beaten, battered, or used,

As long as we give kids our books.