A Library, Long Ago In Wallingford, Connecticut

By: Ms. P. Ryan

I loved my library growing up.

It was small, dark, quiet, - sheltering,

A familiar grey stone building – but not exactly cozy.

It had a special, lingering, old library smell.

Everyone knew me.

I was always there.

I knew exactly which wooden floorboards creaked,

And where the best books were hidden.

I used to read through every book

On those special selection shelves.

How effortlessly and joyfully

I journeyed with those books!

 

That library is gone-

Transformed now into a bank

Or is it an insurance company-

Or perhaps a realtor?

Down the street lurks the new library-

All Danish modern, light, and clicking…

 

I have moved away.