Books

She was only obliquely referenced to,

a single line, writ thinly on the flyleaf

of a treasured book, slipping through

time and fingers, that so delicate

thumbed page on page until it came

to me.

'Read and be wise,' it said, 

'to my daughter Elizabeth with love.' 

No signature to cross my palm,

or tell the girl,

whose notes and scribbles

set in childish hand,

from vault and graveyard

still abide; as page on page

I slowly turn, sensing her

reading at my side.

Reviews

[NoelHC]

I don't know if you have a connection to "Elizabeth" or not, but I felt the connection to this poem for me, I haunt used book stores and often wonder about previous owners, previous readers, especially when there is an inscription in the flyleaf.
Sensing them reading at my side will likely come to mind next time I come across this in a book.

[h d e rushin]

because reading ain't loansharking there's nothing to be paid back at some exorbitant rates
of interest. Yet still people refuse it, the spirit of it, the conveyance of humanity; the togetherness
it fosters. Wonderful.....dana

[ANM]

Reading is a solitary pursuit made all the better when shared.... A lovely poem Beccy!

[Woody]

wonderful idea and a beautiful write, Beccy. I've read lots of second-hand books and come across names and references/messages. I admit I never gave them a second glance. your poem sort of makes me ashamed.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

This has a haunting yet sweet melody to it as you read someone else's message to their daughter.

[Chris]

Glistening eyes followed the thoughts...
and continued in the silence.

[Tree]

I like very much to come across moments etched in between the pages of a book, a hand written message taking you back in time, or a note indicating a passage or a feeling, at that time it seems my imagination takes over and I can see, no make out, whole lives before me. Old books, old haunts, old photographs, diaries, lost hand written notes in an attic, that's time travel. That's merging with the past.

Moving piece, Beccy


Diego

[Christopher Withers]

Such a beautiful poem. I can be pretty distant in regards to showing emotion, but this did get to me.

[Vidya Bacchus]

This is such a wonderful poem.Makes the writer wonder "who is Elizabeth".Most excellent poetry my friend :)

[jacob erin-cilberto]

the value of words, of a book....and the treasure of a signature in that book...even the slightest scribble from the author or the one who gave the book as a gift means so much...

and we both read....still, even though she is now gone.

this is a memory.

[Sami Khalil]

You writes are so charming and delicate as slipping through time and fingers. Excellent...:).........