I placed your historical novel on a shelf.
The shelf contained many other dusty books.
It was one of many shelves with dusty books.
The dust implies I neglect the books I treasure.
They are really an old display of wealth.
You cannot judge a man today on the size of his library.
When it comes to poetry I place each book I finish
in a little poetry library box.
Unread poetry on a shelf does little to nothing
to influence the world’s progress.
The box I place them in has a high turnover rate
so I believe the poetry gets read regularly.
I feel for the poets who signed the book copy I purchased
thinking I would treasure their words forever.
Especially if they found that signed copy
in a little poetry library box.
copyright © 2021 Kenneth P. Gurney
Umflop 