Books (1966)

In the twilight by the fire,
By the fire with coals a-glowing.
There I sat with book in fingers,
Reading, gripped with fascination:
For the story I was reading
Was enthralling with adventure.
Story with the tang of sea-salt.
Please, oh please, just leave me silent.
For the book I read tomorrow
May not be of high adventure,
But may be of cops and robbers.
Chasing silent, through the twilight.
Not like me, sitting quietly.
"Oh, please leave me, mother dearest,
Just another fifteen minutes.
Till I've finished just this chapter,
Just this one and final chapter."
Then there's pause of meditation-
Then, oh joy, my mother agrees!

A. LONG, IB