you collected each word
into countless volumes
until fabric-bound books whispered
and onion-thin parchments crinkled
the manuscripts became profoundly yellowed
stacked within thick walls
sheltered by cool, dry air
but the unblinking disrespect
of a deliberating spark
traded you smoke-stung senses for
their faithful faces choked on ash
and the dusty flames applauded
Forget it.
close the heavy book
it was only borrowed
by Christy Noel
4/2/03
"you collected" was originally published in the Winter 2004 issue of Prose Toad Literary Zine (Website no longer available - out of publication).