We Travel Page by Page

I crack that virgin spine
with the deftness of a pro.
The scent of her potential wafts
into the deepest recesses of my brain.

It's enough for only a moment,
a cursory glance at the supine sides
already becoming supple beneath
my nimble fingers as I push the edges wide.

The anticipation is beyond containment
as I lie back on soft pillows and take
a sip of wine. There is no point of return,
the weight of my deed is filled with guilty pleasure.

And I sigh...

I gently remove the cover and peer
hungrily upon her bold delicious title
and we begin our journey together,
I turn the pages, and she, tells me her story.

Reviews

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

All lovers of the written word can relate to this poem. When a book opens, we fall in. It's the safest way to travel to far and distant lands and a vicarious way of experiencing the yet unknowns. We have a local book store called Givens Book Store. While they are in a new building now, I much prefer the old one, with the basement that smelled of old leather-bound, gilded-paged books. I spent so many days and so many lunch hours delving through the first editions and particularly loved the ones hidden behind glass walls. Sadly, those enjoyable visits dissipated with the building of the new store. There are great modern conveniences, such as the Kindle; but in my opinion, there's just nothing like holding an actual book within your hands. I love this one, and it's refreshing to come back and read your work after having been away for so long.

[icelandicblue]

I have loved books right from my very first Dr. Suess book. Thank you Linda.

[.]

-- haha... very enchanting poetry about something i relate to a lot... -- sometimes, i feel that i'm smoking weed when i'm reading a book... :p -- i like the playful tone that is pretending to be dramatic and sinister... -- you must be a prankster at heart, dear poet... i can tell... :p

[icelandicblue]

I had that "virgin spine crack," wafting around in my head and this is what I did with it. Thank you so much.

[.]

-- wow... you did wonders with that one expression... thank you for sharing that and you're very welcome... :)

[Stonz P.]

I think this should be rated 'MATURE' for Bibliophiles :P

I would even go as far to say this is sensuous in no explicit sense!
Magic of your imagery. 'supine sides' was just terrific.
My new favourite from you.
Thank you for sharing this one :)

[icelandicblue]

LOL thank you...you made me smile.

[Adam Adams]

Beautiful title: "We Travel Page By Page". So many .. bunches of images it creates in mind / across the edges of heart. What all I can say 'bout the write's .. yes, love's meant to be walked / breathed and beloved page by page ... like a book - The book no one knows 'bout what another or its next page brings to heart. Nice flow of ink. Well done!

[icelandicblue]

Thank you so much for such a beautiful reply.

[I Am Svetlana]

Nothing is as good as the feel of a new book! I could pretty much live in a bookstore or library, I even dream of it. Though I hate how nowadays all books are made to be read online and it's sad to see not many read nor touch an actual book. I love falling into a story and never wanting it to end. It's like whenever I read a book, I stop just short of the ending because I'm afraid to know, so I make up a new ending in my mind. Books are such precious things that will always be around and I appreciate those who still take the time to read them front to back.

[icelandicblue]

I totally agree with you! Thank you so much for such a gorgeous response. A love affair with books never ends badly.

[TL Boehm]

oh yes. I love this. nothing better than a new book. I love the feel of paper, the scent, the anticipation of being taken somewhere else.
this was written in December. It's Feb. I hope that doesn't mean you've left the room just as I've come back.

[icelandicblue]

Hi Tammy!

I'm just busy with life...I'll be around. I hope to read you soon. Thanks for stopping in.

[InsanityWriter]

I love it! The imagery and sense of opening a book for the first time is spot on. Reading is a beautiful, beautiful journey that, in fact, I'm scheduled to set off on once I'm finished typing this... Keep writing!

[icelandicblue]

Thank you very much. Happy reading!

[AprilRN1210]

brilliant, elegant expression of the anticipation, excitement, elation, contentment, and satisfaction that comes from such a rewarding experience for some.. those that love to get lost in the adventures and wanderings of another's mind in written form.. a pleasure indeed.. like your words are to us.. to become enchanted by the pen both in writing and reading is one of my greatest in this world and you have described that beautifully here.. amazing as usual.. love the combination of emotion and imagery..

[icelandicblue]

That is one beautiful comment April and I thank you for it!

[~]

A really moving piece that left a great impression on you. Thank you for sharing.

[icelandicblue]

I am pleased that you enjoyed it. Thank you.

[Travis Gibson (poetic h..]

Excellent write! Though the entire piece is a gem, that closing line resonates with me.

[icelandicblue]

Good to see you! Thanks so much for your kind words.

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Good to see you as well... and as always, it's my pleasure.

[Frieda P]

Oh my, what can I say that hasn't already been said, you're the mistress of 'feeling' poetry Anne, that first line wow'd me and it just got better, as always a stellar read. I've missed you.

[icelandicblue]

Hello hello hello! How wonderful to see you. I haven't been on much lately but perhaps I'll return soon. Thank you again my friend.