A Poetry Book Novels & Stories

I looked back at the pages of the book, wrapping myself more closely in the gray scarf Oliver had given me for Christmas. However, I was not allowed to return to the land depicted in the story from my book, because I sensed a strangely familiar aura that was getting closer and closer to our property. My first thought was mother, because the structure of the aura was very similar, but a few details did not match. I put the book on the table and lifted the blanket from my lap, setting it aside, before giving Oliver a meaningful look. He must have sensed the aura as well, as was already taking Alex in his arms and then walking towards the gazebo, where Oliver sat him down on the bench next to m

he points at her with his chin, expressionless, “didn't you want to join our group? There is the proof.” I swallow a bitter breath when I reach for it and study it, without a doubt it is the same bracelet that the Zanni subjects had. “Why black?” “I really don't know.” He dives into the pages of his new book of the week and surprisingly it is not the one he read yesterday. Had I already finished it? For sure yes. His title was somewhat ironic; The Darkest Book of Cheap Poetry.

The edges were frayed, the spine cracked with use. “Sometimes,” I said, closing the book I had been reading and placing it on my lap. He stepped closer, just enough to place the poetry book on the table near me. “Read this,” he said simply. No ‘please.’ No explanation. Just a command, like everything else in this place.

“What do you read when you’re not being paid to alphabetize it?” “Receipts,” I deadpanned. “And warning labels.” He laughed. Not loud. Real. It landed in the center of me and spread warmth in all the places hunger liked to live. “Poetry,” I admitted after a beat. “The kind that cuts and then kisses the wound. Histories written by the losers. Field guides for plants that are trying to kill you.” “Useful,” he said. “Necessary,” I corrected.

Neither of us mentioned it. “I didn’t realize you read poetry,” I said, sliding a thin book into place. “Occasionally,” he admitted. “Usually when I can’t sleep. There’s something… grounding about it.” “I get that,” I said, my fingers lingering on the spine of a weathered collection. “It’s like trying to make sense of feelings you can’t name.” He looked at me then, long enough that I felt my pulse shift. “Yeah,” he said quietly. “Exactly like that.”

This was what contentment felt like. This was what having your entire world contained in your arms felt like. “What are you reading?” I asked, noting the way she relaxed completely against me, trusting me to hold her, to keep her safe. “Poetry. Some old collection I found in the back corner.” “Any good?” “Some of it. Though most of it is very dramatic. Lots of tortured souls and unrequited love.” “Sounds depressing.” “A little. But some of the love poems are beautiful. Listen to this one.” She opened the book and began to read in that soft, musical voice that never failed to capture my complete attention.

I must have dozed off while I was reading earlier. The Poems of Francis Ledwidge – the moth-eaten emerald green book I found in the study – is lying next to my pillow, the gold-embossed oak leaves on the cover glinting in the lamplight. The last thing I remember reading before nodding off was a poem gran had often sung to me as a bedtime lullaby. That book of the page is creased, dog-eared. The poem is about a water spirit who died after falling in love, which seemed to be one of Francis Ledwidge’s favorite themes – doomed love, tragic, beautiful maidens and lots and lots of flowers.

Things forgotten touch me now— & they’re clouding me w/ forgiveness, rethinking the time I was asked the question I knew I would never understand, but that question brings things—slow walks, time & space, Fleetwood Mac glistening living rooms w/ home & midnight specials—wrapped w/ the cellophane intention that such question I wouldn’t forget could somehow become a beautiful title for a first book in poetry.

"No, it doesn't rain very much there. And I would love to visit Mumbai sometime." Unsure of what to say next, I let the conversation lapse. He was very much engrossed in his book and I didn't think he was going to let his attention waver much. I took a peek at the cover to find it was a poetry book. So I let out a small sigh of dissatisfaction as I closed my eyes and stretched out a bit more. I felt the heat of the rays press kisses against my skin and I sprawled on the chaise further, hoping to renew some semblance of the tan I had inherited from my mother. From the corner of my eye, I took a peek of him again to find him still captivated by the book.

"It's difficult to choose just one. But there is a particular book of poetry that holds a special place in my heart. It speaks of the complexities of the human spirit." Catherine's interest deepened, and she approached him, her gaze fixed on the shelf. "Would you mind sharing it with me?" Shawn reached for the book, gently pulling it out from its place. The cover was worn and aged, a testament to the many times it must have been read in the past. “This is 'Whispers of the Soul' by renowned poet Alexander Sinclair," Shawn said, holding the book delicately in his hands. "His words have a way of touching the deepest parts of one's being, unraveling the mysteries of the human experience."