10 Comments
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Liz Snell's avatar

Beautiful. I love the movement through this, the fresh imagery, the sense of exploration. As I read it many good books I found in little free libraries come to mind. It's easy these days to be nostalgic for the nineties of my childhood, but (as far as I recall) the nineties didn't have little free libraries. So that's something!

Abigail's avatar

Lovely poem. We are big fans of Little Free Libraries, and the way this poem uses them as an entry point to reflect on the wonder of all libraries and written words feels so unforced. I am reading Joel Miller's Idea Machine right now and thinking how the technology of books have changed the world. Talking leaves and living trees: what beautiful images.

Calvin Hughes's avatar

Not to be a downer, but it's very hard to find a good book in a little free library. Most of the time, it's either slut or potboilers. I'm not sure if the author knows anything about these weird little backlog-collectors beyond the simple idea. I have yet to see a presidents book, a science book, or anything useful in one of those things.

Maybe I'll write a poem in response...

Abigail's avatar

It must vary widely by region. The LFLs in our area are full of gems. My kids love hunting for old favorites or grabbing something new to us. They make lovely destinations for walks.

All Words Bright & Beautiful's avatar

I'm compelled to agree with Calvin, although I'm glad to hear the dearth of good books in the LFLs isn't a nationwide phenomenon. 😁

Denise T Drapeau's avatar

Love, love, love this and Little Free Libraries!!

All Words Bright & Beautiful's avatar

I like the idea of little libraries more than I like what I typically find in them. 😁