A Prior Engagement

A Poem by ExposedSiren

I wish it was socially acceptable to say
"Sorry, I have to go and finish my book."
I wish people could understand that
Words are better company than anyone you've ever met,
When strung along together correctly.

I wish that people could see literature way that I have before,
Where the words melt off the page,
Dripping and dropping all around,
Surrounding me and encapturing me in far off worlds,
Bringing me through amazing adventures,
The most painful of heartbreaks,
and
The most important of lessons.

Every book I read
Teaches me about the world around me,
Nurtures me,
Challenges me,
and
Fulfills me.

All of the little missing fragments of my heart,
All of the little wandering pieces of my mind,
All of the moments I will someday forget,
All of the leaves that fall so gracefully,
Along with
All of the words that have eluded my grasp,...

Have found their ways into stories,
Poems,
Books,
Tiny notes,
Journal Entries,
Dream Diaries,
Letters,

and they still continue to be read,
If not by anyone else,
Certainly by myself.

This is here as a statement,
Less as an apology...

If I ever leave and don't explain why,
Know that I made a promise to some pages,
and will intend on keeping it.