Paper and words,
the feel of the pages,
fingers and eyes
through storied ages,
slow cadence of readers
like waves of calm sea,
a rhythmic soft breathing
in book alchemy
as reverent touch
and hungry sight
turn page and print
to learning’s light.
Linked to Dan Antion’s Thursday Doors Writing Challenge,
with thanks to Kerfe for the image.
Oddments 
May 22, 2025 at 12:12 pm
Lovely poem Maureen to accompany an awesome photo. Well done. Can you even imagine a world without books? You might as well turn off the sun and moon, fold up your tent and call it a day.
Ginger 🦋
May 22, 2025 at 12:28 pm
Amen to that, Ginger! I can’t quite bring myself to substitute a screen for the paper pages. As to the photo, it is indeed awesome — I love the way the lights are captured in it.
May 22, 2025 at 12:35 pm
I don’t know how many times you got my reply, Ginger — WP kept telling me I’d already sent it when I knew I hadn’t, so I kept trying. WP gets more like Twilight Zone all the time!
May 22, 2025 at 1:32 pm
The words, the picture–perfect match. Reverent, indeed. Well done, Maureen.
May 22, 2025 at 1:34 pm
Thanks, Lois! This photo was one I could put myself in very easily. I think it’s a beauty.
May 22, 2025 at 3:01 pm
That’s a wonderful poem for that photo, Maureen. It brings to mind and almost otherworldly experience (which only reading can do).
May 22, 2025 at 3:01 pm
an almost. Ugh.
May 22, 2025 at 3:33 pm
I’ll see you that UGH and raise you an AARRGH. This new computer can’t spell worth anything — all its keys are in the wrong places! This “backspace” key has been getting quite a workour! (See what I mean?)
May 22, 2025 at 5:10 pm
Haha!
May 22, 2025 at 3:31 pm
Well said. And thank you!
May 22, 2025 at 11:40 pm
You’ve captured the magic of libraries and books Maureen. (K)
May 22, 2025 at 11:50 pm
Thanks, Kerfe! Great image!
May 23, 2025 at 12:46 pm
It’s an amazing library (the Morgan)
May 23, 2025 at 10:27 am
Paper and words. Powerful because I cannot imagine not having a book available all day, every day. I always have a book at hand and a stack available so I can keep feeding my passion for reading. Special thanks to my local library for constantly replenishing my supply.
May 23, 2025 at 11:03 am
Oh, yes, special thanks to our local libraries! I won’t ask what we’d do without them because I’m beginning to wonder if that’s what’s coming. I love the feel of books and the feel of the library. That pile of books we keep is an oasis, yes? Thanks, Judy!
May 24, 2025 at 10:35 am
Our library announced they would be closed all three days this weekend so I got a stack just to make sure I don’t run out. 🙂
May 24, 2025 at 11:12 am
Smart move on your part! Three days without something to read would seem like a year! I presume chocolate figures into the three days. The holistic approach, you know.