Street Library Dreaming by Louise Healey
As the gentle light of morning beckons
plays around eyelids tightly shut
The arms of fluttering consciousness draw me
slowly in
a twilight between wakefulness and slumber
This morning I dream of MY Street Library
It would sit neatly in front of that great
puffed out tree
The one that perpetually bleeds
perfect white
perfumed flowers
tiny bouquets
that snow
on grey walkways
Beautiful
suggestive snow
That warms me
Welcomes me home from work
After a tired day
Or farewells me
as I run, belated
for the morning bus.
MY Street Library!
I dream of placing it there
for all to see
Adorned with different banners each week
Perhaps to celebrate a special day
World Press or
NAIDOC week
But could I part with my precious books
I wonder
Will the community respect what I cherish?
I think so
I love the Street libraries I see
As I wander to and fro
About my suburban business
To the gym
Shopping
Stopping
Seeing an eye catching title
My curiosity always getting the better of me
Something for a future read
Titillation
Inspiration
Books have always been that to me
Their words can change worlds
Move glaciers
Start or stop world wars
An exaggeration perhaps?
No matter
I feel excited
Each time I step out
Discover a Street Library
And think of what it means to
Share a word gesture with unknown strangers
Who may delight in this or that
A free gift from this world.
