‘Tis mysterious that my heart beats
Thumps in its ribcage rebelliously
Behaves like a  child unruly,Â
In obstinacy, turns back towards
A wooden shelf bent with books,
Like a truant child asking for a candy,
Oh I must admit I skip many a  heartbeat
When I Â see a bibliophile or a library.
***
Why, I have wondered long,
Is it that I find the likes of myselfÂ
In others dipping their heads in pages in a bibliotheque?
How I become acquainted to aÂ
Mirrored me, I suppose it’s AliceÂ
Playing the  prankster, leading a dreamy me into
Forests that merge into castlesÂ
And then suddenly I’m awake!
***
 ‘Tis a subtle connection from past lives,I realise.
Perhaps, I was Caxton,Â
The scent of warm paper, who loved.
Or a Romantic quilling stories
On Helen’ s promiscuity,
Or could it be a star gazing Hardy detailing Bathsheba’s
Dilemmas and desires in Wessex’s prudery.
Oh well! Let yarn spinners be, Â suffice ’tis- books transport me to fantasy!
*******
© Mumtaz N Khorakiwala
6-01-2021
Such a delightful poem, Mumtaz. Loved it. I will check few of the references that I do not know anything of. Your writings reflect your passion for books. 💚💚💚
Such a wonderful read ma’am. Can understand your love to read
Ahh, books are indeed a beautiful love affair! Well penned.
Not just Helen or Bathsheba ,a simple housewife or girl next door.
A bibliophile loves them all
Wonderful
Beautifully penned! Books are indeed the best companions… Loved it thoroughly💚💚
Ah what a love affair💚🥰
Thank you 💚💚💚
What a wonderful poem Mumtaz! Your poems are so enjoyable and full of learning!
💚💚Nikita Sawhney thank you
Delightful read! Reflects the literature addiction in you
Yes, it definitely does. Always loved peering crannies and nooks of thousands of books.💚😅
One can learn so much from your poems and style of writing. One can clearly see your unmistakable love affair with the written word.
In awe of your work. I will forever be your fan.