This is my first memory:
A big room with heavy wooden tables that sat on a creaky
wood floor
A line of green shades–banker’s lights–down the center
Heavy oak chairs that were too low or maybe I was simply
too short
For me to sit in and read
So my first book was always too big
In the foyer up four stairs a semi-circle desk presided
To the left side the card catalogue
On the right newspapers draped over what looked like
a quilt rack
Magazines face out from the wall
The welcoming smile of my librarian
The anticipation in my heart
All those books–another world–just waiting
At my fingertips.
From Acolytes. William Marrow, 2007. To hear the podcast, go here!
