Ode to Reading

I am lost.

My location, I know not, but I have an idea

All around me is cold, the moon a guiding light in the sky

Piles of sand abound, and critters scurry about

I clutch my freezing arms to myself for warmth

And wait silently for the searing heat of tomorrow

When the cactus around me will beckon me near

With the promise of water and shade

All of a sudden,

I am on a mission.

I walk on my toes, creeping silently to a metal door

The gun held in my hand feels heavy with anticipation

My partner behind me hisses at me to be careful

I nod, taking a long stride forward, inching ever closer

The door is a beacon in the darkness of my adventure

Signaling me to the end

My heart speeds up as I finally reach my destination

Stretching out a hand, cocking my gun, I slowly turn the knob and

I am in love.

His arms around me,

They feel like a cage that I would never want to be free of

I smile softly at something he’s done

Always, always will this man have my heart

Though we’re surrounded by thousands, there’s only he and I

Embracing as though the world might end

A lover’s quarrel has just been resolved

He leans down to kiss me, I turn my chin up to oblige

And the moment our lips meet,

I am running.

Faster, faster, I push my legs

There’s got to be a way out!

Sweat pours off of my body, my breathing is labored

My heart is pounding, but still I push

Onward, onward to an exit that I have not yet seen

A glance behind me shows that I do not have much time

Pushing its way out of my throat is a scream

Fear is coursing through my veins

I trip, I give, I may as well have surrendered!

My body falls ungracefully to the ground with a resounding ‘thump’

Eyes widening in horror, I look up into the eyes of my killer

He lashes out at me, I feel a burning pain and then,

I am under the covers.

The flashlight I hold in my hand is illuminating my latest read

It’s a mystery novel, with a touch of thriller

I gasp as the main character gets hurt

Silently, I chide, she should have kept running

I hear a creak down the hall and quickly shut off my light

Stuffing the book under my pillow case,

I lie down and pretend to be asleep, when really, my mind is teaming with thoughts

Of desert skies, and impossible missions

Of a true first love and thrilling detectives

An evil man here, a hero there

Everyday life and impossible fantasies

Books, books, nothing but books

My door squeals open, a sliver of light shines through

I squeeze my eyes closed, and wait for darkness to descend again

“She’s asleep.” I hear spoken, and in response,

“Good, she’s been staying up all night with those books.”

As the door shuts, I laugh to myself and think

You can’t keep me away from what makes my life great