The Librarian

A Poem by Natasha Austin

She primly sits at the wooden desk
Checking inventory on a screen

She dons a blue and white flowered dress
And square glasses that perch
On the end of her hawk’s nose
Over tiny black eyes that glint with inner joy
And knowledge of your need

She has dual streaks of gray in shiny black curls
That cascade down to mid-back
But is hidden under a modest bun

She offers a pleasant smile and cheery voice
Amid tales of adventure and romance

She knows my addiction and is eager to feed it

She points me to where I need to be
With a knowing smirk and knowing eyes
Aware that like her
I become a new creature when I am there
A place where things are not what they seem
And the world is my plaything

She knows my fixation and plays devil’s advocate
I smile back - my eyes are knowing too