The Book

The book became
the prized possession
of a collector who desired it  
only for the intricate designs,
years in the making,  
etched on the softness
of the leather that encased it.

Aside from a casual glance
befallen on a word or two,
he never read it,
yet professed to know the tale
imprinted between the covers
of this tome.

He kept it under glass
protected from any 
who might wish to read 
the lines inscribed upon
the fine vellum of its pages,
away from the warming rays
of the sun,
and any who might drink
from the fountain of its words
and bask in the awe 
of its chapters. 

Yet in the mellow glow
of an early spring moon
the book fell open
to eyes that saw its beauty
and hands that traced each word
with tender touch,
to read not just the cover 
but the scores of verses 
penned within.

And the reader found
the final pages yet unwritten,
but as he slowly slid his palm
across their emptiness,
words began to write themselves
beneath his fingers
and he marvelled 
at their beauty



march 2006
Janet Reid





Awarded by Poetic Constellations ~ March 31, 2006




Awarded by Poetic Constellations




Awarded by New Horizons



Awarded by Poetic Constellations