There is a table
With stacks of books to be read
Calling out to me
One by one

Today, now
“Bring me to bed with you”
They say

I listen
And look at the many covers
The pictures
The acknowledgments
The introductions

I lay the books aside
Deciding I cannot spare time
To read now

The books still call out to me
Hoping I have an ear
For their silent call

I scratch my head
Pull at my ears
Swallow hard the moment
Upon me

With haste
I pick up a book
And start reading
And realize a book not fully read
Creates a tear to be shed