A BOOK WITH A RARE SMILE

Never judge a book by its cover

A Book With A Rare Smile

I saw you there sitting

Patiently inside the library.

In plain, modest, black attire

As you watched all passersby.

 

There I saw you stood

Side by side with other books.

Tucked inside their shelves

Minding only of themselves.

 

You see people every day,

Walking to and fro your way.

Searching over so many rows,

With a frown or rink eyebrows.

 

Day by day, week by week,

Not a single soul would seek.

Came and touched your fabric case,

Slipped and brushed you by the waist.

 

And those who passed you by,

Its seems they’ve been beguiled,

By other author’s flashy books,

They didn’t stop to take a look.

 

Alas! my adamant inquisitive eye

Caught your sweet; unwary smile

Decides to dig, wants to pry

Pulled you out from where you lie.

 

As I ponder, prod and dig

Sifting through every page

Encrypted between the line

A personality that’s so fine.

Behind the veil of intriguing pose

A book I finally get to probe

Hidden beneath plain cover page

Treasure and beauty that never age.

 

You are a treat on this site

You’re a blessing in disguise

For you’ve touched this soul of mine

O, so melt this heart of ice.

 

As I slowly fold this book

Tucked it back from where I took

I realize, that I have not been wise

And now I saw you with my own two eyes.

 

A book with a Mona Lisa smile...

 

~ by NeiL ArandA  11/09/2013 ~

Author's Note

Thoughts and words inspired by Dhaye

Reviews

[Horizon K.]

So firstly, the title is adorable!!
And to look past the cover, past the flashiness that catches the eye, much like love for any human, it is the richness and rarity of the beauty inside that you fall in love with ... This makes me think of those classic pieces of literature, printed long ago and sitting in the library, or with plain "boring" cover at the bookstore... Yet these are priceless treasures... Such a lovely poem!

[NeiL ArandA]

I am so glad you like this one from such high caliber writer. I'm humbled by your sweet words ...Thanks for dropping by Horizon K

[Frank]

Very good poem, I agree with Rudi who is also a lover of books-it is written by a person who loves the written word.

I used to be an avid reader for most of my life until the advent of television and the internet. I don't read so often now mainly I study theological books. I don't use the library much these days, there was a time I had 4 books on the go, I loved books. Some do become a favorite, my great love at one time was of very large Japanese books with the photographs of that amazing lace. These days I buy books from Oxfam, read them and take them back, I keep the very good ones, the ones I enjoy.

I suppose all books have a value whether poorly written or well, some are more special to us because we are all different. I don't know why I love Japan, I just know that I do.

You have put a lot of work into this Neil, thank you.

[NeiL ArandA]

I made this for someone here as a token of her friendship . I put all my mind into it and finished it in one day . I was passionate to make her smile and impression . I do love to read back when I was small . When my life was still simple and less stressful . After my designated chores in the house were finished I grabbed my favorite books . I used to read Readers Digest and lots of believe and make believe stories . Perhaps I developed creative imaginations as a child which may have compensated for my lack of mastery of the english language . Thanks Frank that you liked this one .

[Riss Ryker]

This made me smile, Neil. My beloved grandmother, a librarian for over 55 years, taught me to read by age four on a lap made for sitting, and a voice designed for rhyming. Every saturday afternoon, I'd spend the day 'working' with her, binding the casings of old, forgotten books with hot glue and tape. In return, I got to go down into the basement of the library, a real treat, and pick out as many discarded books as I wanted! Forgotten about books that no one wanted to read or had forgotten about. The smell and the feel of those pages I will never forget. This poem brought is all back to me. (Grandma is 97 now, and sadly, cannot see to read. But my pleasure is reading to her.)

[NeiL ArandA]

Wow you read this one too ? I love to read books at my hearts content when I was young and have all the time in the world. I'm glad this piece brought back some good old memories. Thanks again Riss. You are way to kind . God bless you

[Rudi J.P. Lejaeghere]

This are the feelings of a real an genuine reader. About one time in three weeks I visit the library and I can find myself in your description of finding a book. It's a sort of a thrill to search and to discover new books, interesting stories. I like being there, hearing the words escaping their pages, arousing me in reading the summaries. And once in a while you stumble on a book with a Mona Lisa smile. Very good, Neil, I like this so much. :) Rudi

[NeiL ArandA]

Thanks Rudi for the read. Rhyming was my first style of writing and mixing it with some imaginations. Later I got sucked and pulled in to this new free verse style. Reading books was my favorite past time as well during my tender years. I was able to used the knowledge I gained ( imaginations ) in some of my writings. Thanks Rudi for your thoughts here.

[Rudi J.P. Lejaeghere]

My pleasure, Neil. :) Rudi

[Benita-Staebell M - Kin..]

I am guessing that you were
speaking of the bible.



this was brilliant and such a stunning piece
thank you for sharing and thank you for your
review and comments left on my page.




God bless. Benita

[NeiL ArandA]

It was written for someone here on this site that has the most remarkable personality and the most sweetest smile. Thanks Benita for reading it. Appreciate your time and words you left on this page.

[Benita-Staebell M - KindredPoet]

You're welcome. well it was a beautiful piece. God bless. Benita

[Briana O'Connor]

Such a creative title! I enjoyed reading this one, like all of your other work. You do have quite a talent within your mind. Your sentiments on life and all that surrounds is truly inspiring. I have always believed to never judge a book by its cover, but unfortunately today's society teaches us otherwise. Really great work.

[NeiL ArandA]

Glad you found this one as well . Comparing poets like a books in the library. Thanks Briana. You are generously reading all my guns without a request...

[Aethereal]

I enjoyed the way you personified a book within your quatrains. I was inspired to write this gift song-poem for you which you may keep as your own: It’s in 0/1/0/1/0/1/0/1 eight syllable meter. 1= accent; 0 = non-accent. Sing along:

Book Covers

Its covers may not have that look
that grabs you like a fishing hook.
Between the pages of a book,
there’s wisdom or there’s gobbledygook.

[NeiL ArandA]

Aethereal ..once again you are way too kind to come up with this short piece. I do appreciate so much your read and this special token from you. ...I don't know how to repay you back ...

[jacob erin-cilberto]

sometimes certain books get passed by constantly, almost like a woman who might seem rather plain on the outside, but open her up, turn her pages, and she is a joyous read...

wonderful personification here...

pardon me now, i am going to the library.

[NeiL ArandA]

Thank you so much dear fellow poet for the kind review and reading. Please bear with me for not replying back...

[Lydia Shutter]

The personification of the book is splendid in this write, Neil! Yes, it is true, some books are overlooked in the library. If they had feelings, they would be hurt. You are obviously someone who loves to read...and write...and it shows in this poem. I liked it. Lydi**

[NeiL ArandA]

Thank you Ms Lydia ...sorry that I miss this lovely thoughts of yours.

[Luke]

Great choice of words. Flowed rather well. Made me think of my days wondering in the library.

[NeiL ArandA]

Appreciate you stopping by Luke