I hear the clang of a bell
as the heavy door shuts behind me
There is hardly anyone here
and they are all quiet
Silence does not startle me here
Quite the opposite really
it is here that I feel at peace
here where my favorite things surround me
books

There are enough to send me miles away
on a journey beyond our world
Transported into the mind of a character
real or fictional
I approach the tall wooden shelves
anxious to be introduced
Although I may not have much time,
I will be sure to look at the books labeled
New

I carefully pluck a book off the shelf
with a description
so enticing, so exciting
I am left with no doubts
I will get this book
Quickly I scan for another treasure
That I know
I will not
find

The silence continues
On my walk to the front desk
The women sitting there
was picturesque
from her pointed glasses
to her outdated clothing
I pulled out my card
my ticket to this book and
checked out