Before the aged librarian
begins to read a book
not read before
he inhales,
he exhales
with utmost tranquility
he lets
his fingers tiptoe lightly
on its luscious spine,
as he gazes at the cover
in a way he once
would court a woman.
Today Lill host a Quadrille at dVerse and the word is tranquility.
That aged librarian is quite the romancer! I still open books at the library and sniff their fragrance deeply. Nothing like the smell of a good book.
LOVE this librarian…..getting sensual gratification from the spine and pages of a book …. through his fingertips before even reading! Tranquility indeed.
Such a quiet and tranquil time, before the reading. Love this one Bjorn.
When the book becomes the lover- beautiful Bjorn!
A beautiful ritual before opening the book 🙂
Beautiful writing, Björn
the librarian’s preparations are like ritual magic – the book personified with its “luscious spine”
Your aged librarian is becoming a citizen of the world; so cool. Most of us go nuts in a used book store or a library.
Lovely that!
Been there done that many times and very much enjoy the words you chose to build your experience.
How divine, reading is indeed seductive!
Ooh I like the contrasts in this piece.
Some of my best love affairs have been with books! (Did I mention that I was 18 years a librarian?)
Really beautiful, Bjorn. A charming piece!
I love how words on a page can bring tranquility to the soul!
There was some tension as well as tranquility in this portrayal of a bibliophile. Cool take on the prompt. I could see it.
Like others, so like the sensual world of the book you’ve created (you just don’t get that with Kindles or Amazon Readers :-). Smiled at the image of ‘his fingers tiptoe lightly / on its luscious spine’ – great stuff.
Oh gosh–I love this. I can so imagine this scene. There’s an anticipation first, I think, before the tranquility that comes once he starts reading. I like what Dwight said, too. That is true.
Also the title. Hahahaha.
Dewey Decimal…reminds me of my work back as a librarian..😊😊😊
I get that, that’s how I hold and read a book! Wonderful lines.
This is delightful, Bjorn.
One of life’s pleasures, perfectly rendered. (K)
A mini story of one who loves the touch of books. I really like this one Bjorn.
Gooooooooood heavens. This sent shivers up MY spine. How incredibly perfect. And you had all us book folks at the title, for sure!
The personal relationship between one and a book. The exchange is necessary to bear any lasting fruit. Well done!
my past and future, now that the other subject / object of my gaze no longer returns it 😉
I’m so glad the aged librarian is back! This is a beautiful love poem between a person and the written words he soaks up.