The library is
a manifold amazing
maze, unmappable
with both
halls — vaster than the sea
and rooms like coffins,
with nooks and crannies,
trapdoors,
and ouroboros corridors
circling back again.
The library can only
provide the answer to the
visitors who knows
her questions.
Rene Magritte
Today De hosts the Quadrille at dVerse where the chosen word is fold. I have revisited the library where somewhere the librarian is both the visitor and the keeper of the keys.
Björn Rudbergs writings 
That’s a great form of the prompt word, Björn: manifold! I also like the alliteration in the opening lines and the assonance in ‘trapdoors, and ouroboros corridors’. There is wisdom in the ending.
I wanted a bit of a mystery…
Stunning!
🙂
Bjorn, I like your view of the library, where contradictions are the norm. For example it’s “vaster than the sea” but at the same time has “rooms like coffins.”
I wonder if the books has grown into the walls of the library itstelf.
Or into the cells of the librarian?
Oooo! Manifold is a great add to the word possibles! LOVE. And always love your library/librarian story slices!
It was for some reason the first use of fold I could think of.
Bravo – I’ve not used manifold in that context for years
loved the sound of “ouroboros corridors”
Reminds me the Name of the Rose, and a very thoughtful ending.
The name of the Rose is very much inspired by Jorge Luis Borges (remember that the blind villain is even called Jorge Borges. I have taken a lot of inspiration from Borges so I am glad it came through
Jorge da Burgos. I took that to mean simply that he came from Burgos. I didn’t make a connection with Borges, who I have never read, I’m ashamed to say.
I recommend to read the very short story the library of Babel…
I wonder if Spanish translates better into English or French as I don’t speak/read Spanish.
Oh, I love this one, Björn. It’s only natural that there should be poems about the library–every bit as mysterious as the librarian!
Love your library works, Bjorn, and THIS piece especially. Thanks
What a beautiful ending. ♡
The library is a most wondrous place. I like that clever close!
Yes it is, and like the movie theater it will always remain, even though things change.
Nice one Björn
Much💛love
How I wish that many more people could hold the fascination of the library. I like “ouroboros corridors” and your last stanza. Reading takes full participation to truly experience the treasure of books.
Ouroboros sent me to my dictionary! I got the connection then. Bjorn, how good to read your work again. I look forward to seeing you again when I resume blogging in December! Love from Wisconsin, Amy
Hello Amy, we are still keeping dVerse up and running. It will be nice to see you aroung.
I will add that link to my reminders. Once our move is complete, Lex is installed as pastor of a new church, and our adult child Luka completes their gender-affirming top surgery… I will rejoin the blogosphere in earnest! See you in 2024!
Clever use of the prompt word.
I like this take on the prompt.
Love that last stanza!
Yours may be the most creative use of the word fold. Bravo.
Bjorn, this poem reads like the foreword to the much awaited old librarian book! A library with trapdoors … absolutely!!
It’s the library where your old librarian works. I haven’t heard about him from you recently, I hope he is okay.
..
And some libraries are lovely to get lost in!
Much like our minds…(K)
I love this description of a library in your final lines. So true!
Wonderful look at my favorite places, thank you.
A “manifold amazing” library!
This is definitely one of my favorite pieces of yours, Friend.
Much love,
David
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