Bookstore

Finding
It early morning
As brass bells sing
Old notes
Upon the creaking door
I step into the local
Used bookstore
Slowly

Slightly
Standing pausing
On squeeking floorboards
I close my eyes
For just a moment
Absorbed in warm
Comfort amidst the
Sly

Narrow
Fingers of sunlight
Slipping through
A high window pane
Illuminating particles
Floating gently
Fragrant

Amongst
The old pungent pulp
and the airborne
Musk of information
Seeping from between
These abandoned covers
Adrift

Upon
That vast sea of senses
Drawn deep in nostalgia
By currents latent
Hidden
Born beneath the waves
Within these books
Strong

Endless
Bulky volumes with
Fragile pages
Softly bent and
Stained with time
Shades of age
Subtle

Must
Smoke and dust
The scents speak
The gathered word
Of old ink black and-faded

Long
Masters of their prime
Bound within
Worn leather and Aged cloth
Woven tattered threads
Escape

Like
Eager ghosts
Timeless spectres
Surrounding me listless
In perfect
Communion

Reviews

[Alfred Kukitz]

Your Bookstore has come to life with the books themselves entering into your heart. I love that line in perfect communion it really give the entire piece a chorus of wonder.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Susan, there was a euphoric feeling within me as I read this. I found myself in awe, trying to catch my breath the further down the page I scrolled.

Your one word opening of each stanza, then closing, was masterfully executed, further highlighting the brilliance of this most magnificent poem. Magnificent, I say...for each time I walk into a Barnes & Noble, I am overwhelmed by "the masters of their prime". Overwhelmed by "the worn leather and aged cloth", and the pristene sound of the brass bell ringing in my welcoming.

In the six years I have been here at the WC, I have read hundreds of poems, but few have touched me in the profound way that your "bookstore" has. You need to be acknowledged for that, because touching your reader is a most powerful thing, and we, as poets, strive for it every day of our lives.

I thank you most kindly, for touching mine!

My best,
Kelly

[Me]

I like this very much, and I can relate to your heartfelt words here

[Sami Khalil]

A splendid read and write on bookstores. Bravo...........

[Mary Bosworth]

I feel like I've journeyed the world when reading your lines. Your descriptives are stunning

[Namrata]

No one enters a bookstore and feels this plethora of sentiments ! Unless of course it's us Bibliophiles. You pen down every intricate detail out there with care. Reminiscent for anybody who loves books !

[Aprille]

This is great description of bookstores, specially those old books with writings that endured time. Thanks for sharing. :)

[John Anderson]

Very unique and wonderfully worded. Enjoyed it much!

[Ana B.]

Amazing write! Especially that i share the same love for books, for they have gifted countless dreams and aspirations, character and belief. Glad i stopped by :)

[Ashira Macy]

This was just lovely to read. There is nothing quite like experiencing a used book store.

Amongst
The old pungent pulp
and the airborne
Musk of information
Seeping from between
These abandoned covers
Adrift

I love that you described the smell because when I first saw the title of your poem that is the first thing that came to mind- the musky smell. My dad collects first addition books and his library has a similar scent.