Smelling Books

[Thoughtjotter]

Here's a poem I wrote about smelling books, because I like smelling books. They smell so good.


Smelling Books
Standing in the isle of a book store, sheltered between shelves,
I slide a slick covered novel from its nesting place cozy among the others.
Smoothly, it slips into my palms.
I cradle it like a lost treasure in a dragon’s lair.
Slinking out of the prying eyes of passersby, I stroke the shiny cover
feeling the raised type of its title beneath my finger tips.

Slowly, gently, I open the book to its middle and eye the crease
where the pages join in the binding.
Peering in, I hesitate. Not yet, I tell myself.
Savor the flavor. a we bit cliche, to the point of lessening the moment

My thumbs run along the edge of the pages
and flick through them, creating book-scented wind. wonderful imagery

That’s it, I tell myself, practically drooling
all over the unsullied pages. I see virtual virginity
It’s time.
Forcing the book open to that middle once again,
I dive into its dark crevice, inhaling deeply.
The earthy, musty scent washes over my body.
Goose flesh raises the hairs on my arms.
Getting my fix of book scent, my knees tremble,
a light, floating feeling fills my brain as I leave the ground,
leaving everyone else behind me.Fantastic finish

To have the inclination to take a smell, sound, sight or anything you feel, touch or remember and write it into a beautiful expression of words is a true sign (at least to me) of a person with a live poet living with their Soul.
I am no expert but, I believe your soul is not alone.
Any mechanical attention this poem may need will need to come from those with the knowledge to do so, and for sure I will return to learn.
I have read this poem aloud five times. Now I have no doubt what I will be doing on my next visit to a book store.
Just a silly notion of my own but I believe this poem deserves a more fragrant title. something like, Page Garden or The Word Rose, maybe even "Smelling Books" if you prefer!