I pick you up lovingly
for I cannot wait to learn
about what you hold, what
story you told, what lives you have created
I slowly turn you around and
open up your cover
the excitement runs through my veins
I cannot wait to hear your tale

Your pages begin to turn as I begin to read your words.
They flow right from
the page and they create pictures
in my head.
I can see the character’s dark blue eyes,
I can hear her piercing scream,
I can see the scar that crosses his face,
I can smell the flowers on his desk.

As the tale unwinds, the pages fly,
For I cannot keep up,
the story is flying,
My heart is pounding,
I am lost in your world.
Hopelessly lost.
But not at all concerned.

“Lights out!”
I hear coming from the hallway by my room.
I inwardly groan.
You’re too good!
I just can’t put you down.
I decide to just finish the chapter,
but I am soon caught in your tale once again.
I completely miss the next chapter’s
title and I am already deep within
your grasp.

Yes, I am tired, but instead of
stopping, my eyes grow wide.
What? Oh No!
That was not supposed to happen!
As utter shock shakes my body,
I turn and glance at my clock.
1:07. Oh dear!
It is already early morning!
I heave a sigh for I know that I
will regret this nighttime story
when I try to wake up at 5:15 and everything
is blurry.

I look down sadly at your pages, and I
reach for a nearby bookmark.
So long good friend.
Good night my story.
I will finish you in the morning.

It’s 5:20.
Oh no, I’ve overslept, I murmur
as I stumble out of bed.

I have to rush so I won’t miss the bus
for P.E. is this morning.

I look fondly down at you lying on
my bedroom floor. I gently pick you
up and store you safely among
the contents in my backpack.

I am happy inside for I know that
whenever a free minute finds me,
I will be found with you in my arms,
again lost in your pages.

I smile.
I’m happy
For I’ve found my escape
From out of this world and into yours.
Your story is mine.
I’m lost without time,
into a maze of words.