Too many books
on my shelves,
all-around the house,
upstairs, downstairs,
here, there, everywhere.
More than one
slightly used book
with dog-eared corners,
faded, tattered covers,
strange bookmarks between the pages,
hinting at its history.
Most nights,
curled up in bed,
one slightly used
book in hand,
whisking me off to
faraway lands.
Most days,
curled up on the couch,
one slightly used
book in hand,
energizing me with new ideas
of creativity.
Some nights,
organizing my collection,
with one slightly used
book in hand,
debating the question:
whether to keep or pass along this read.
Some days,
while browsing the library,
with one slightly used
book in hand,
I imagine the writer’s universe,
inspiring such vibrant prose.
Many moments,
when absorbed in one slightly used book,
I wonder,
who
cherished it before me,
whose
bookshelf it lived on before mine,
where
its journey shall someday end.
The authentic story
behind each and every one of
these slightly used books,
shall forever remain
a mystery…
in cahoots with muddy boots 
From a book lover who seldom buys a new book, I appreciate your tribute the the slightly used book.
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Thank you! I do have too many, but am always passing them along to people I think will enjoy them. That’s why I prefer paper to Kindle, because it’s easier to share.
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Another book lover here, you can never have to many books to read. No matter how much space they take up, books really are a treasure and rereading them is always an option.
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Very true! But I also like passing them along to friends.
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I have a tough time with doing that. After I pass a book on to a friend I ask them constantly how far in the book they are. After finishing a really good book I can’t wait to pick it up and reading the book again.
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This a wonderful image you create for books and their lovers. I still have one book I read when I was maybe 10 yrs. and some of the covers of paperbacks I have saved because the cover art reminds me of the experience I had reading the book.
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Hi Christine, I too have a few books from my childhood. I sometimes look through them and think of the person who gave it to me and the occasion. I hope that e-books don’t take over, although with a kindle okoume can bring along a larger selection on trips. But for me, paper is the preferred choice. Say hello to Rosalie and Tom.
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I loved this. Great poem and tribute to slightly used books. I’ve loaned out new books to get them back slightly worn and somewhat easier to hold. Great post. Book lovers united.
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Thanks Marlene! I always enjoy visiting used book stores and even thrift shops have often great selections. Never can have too many books, except when you move. Those boxes are heavy!
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Don’t I know it. My books are perfectly happy where they are. 🙂
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Love this!
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Thanks! Books and nature are two of my favorite things in life. Thanks for visiting.
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We have a stack of books on our bookshelves too but lately I haven’t had to buy any books as we’ve been visiting the library. Great poem.
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Thanks! I too go to the library, but there are some books I just have to own.
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Our books are packed away for the time being … sigh.
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I’ve been cleaning some out and passing them along to friends.
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Very nice poem.
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Thank you for your kind words and for stopping by.
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