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Open Poetry #46
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JerryPat
Senior Member
since 2010-10-30
Posts 1991
Louisiana/America

0 posted 2010-12-03 09:24 AM


In my town Bent Pages is a used bookstore
You feel welcomed when you open the door.
The two ladies who own it greet you and say
What book are you in the mood for today?

In a society which seems hell-bent on illiteracy
The inside of Bent Pages is a virtual reading tree.
A wondrous tree bearing great literary giants
Even the unknowns are there for their clients.

A jumble of books scattered so willy-nilly
There's even one or two about old Slick Willie
Mysteries and love stories you find if you try
Thrillers, biographies are there for you to buy.

After reading these choice morsels of literary wit
The two ladies will buy them back if you permit.
Credit given for future books which will enthrall
As you read about lovers, or the Chinese Wall.

There is a smell which almost takes your breath,
Souls trapped inside famous tragedies like Macbeth?
Or there!  Can you smell the happiness and joy
Winnie The Poo brings, or a recipe for bok choi.

Can't make up your mind what you want to read?
There's a coffeeshop where you can sit and weed
Out the ones you find you're really not fond of
They're about killing and stuff and you'd rather love.

I forgot, you must try the New York Cheesecake
As you leisurely cull the books and take a break.
You've realized now that you're in a very nice spot
And it really doesn't matter whether you've bought.

The two ladies will still smile and wave goodbye
They know you will return and next time you'll buy.
Bent Pages is one of a relative few places you can go
For books, goodwill, and still save some dough.

. . . and the Raven said, %!~#&(&#!$!

© Copyright 2010 Jerry Pat Bolton - All Rights Reserved
Amaryllis
Senior Member
since 2010-05-20
Posts 1306
Mi now
1 posted 2010-12-03 11:34 AM


Lovely write, Jerry! I want to visit that store.     We do have a used bookstore here in town also, but not with the friendly gals and cheesecake  =(  I adore bookstores, libraries... I can lose hours there.  

A

JerryPat
Senior Member
since 2010-10-30
Posts 1991
Louisiana/America
2 posted 2010-12-03 11:36 AM


Thanks, A. Bent Pages is pretty popular. It is the friendly folks that own it which makes a difference. Other stores have tried to compete. They folded. Appreciate your comments.

. . . and the Raven said, %!~#&(&#!$!

Amaryllis
Senior Member
since 2010-05-20
Posts 1306
Mi now
3 posted 2010-12-03 11:43 AM


They folded!   ahh love it lol
JerryPat
Senior Member
since 2010-10-30
Posts 1991
Louisiana/America
4 posted 2010-12-03 12:23 PM


Heehee . . .

. . . and the Raven said, %!~#&(&#!$!

latearrival
Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499
Florida
5 posted 2010-12-03 02:32 PM


I love to wander around used book stores. I have been to quite a few over the years. Enjoyed yur  story. latearrival  
JerryPat
Senior Member
since 2010-10-30
Posts 1991
Louisiana/America
6 posted 2010-12-03 03:10 PM


Me too, latearrival, in fact I'll be visiting it tomorrow. Thank you for visiting with me today.

. . . and the Raven said, %!~#&(&#!$!

latearrival
Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499
Florida
7 posted 2010-12-03 05:36 PM


Jerry, I like the name of the book store. I came back to tell you I am, as I once said, a reader, and as such I read every one of your posts. I read a lot of others also.
I just drop in once in a while to let people know they are being read, not as a critic. Especially when they first come to PIP and I like their post or style.

Sometimes if I see no one has happened on to something or see no replies I will say a few words to let the writer know we are here. Not always on line, nor always able to understand so many good poets, but whom I appreciate as being  good writers. It helps me to learn . Never too old for that. I also like to read all the replies as that also helps  me to understand some I am confused over.  

serenity blaze
Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738

8 posted 2010-12-03 05:41 PM


One of my favorite things is to browse for books in thrift stores, etc...

I consider it a treasure when I find not only bent pages, but one with notes in the margins and highlighted lines.

It's like a gift from a stranger. *smile*

I enjoy your work very much Jerry, thank you.

JerryPat
Senior Member
since 2010-10-30
Posts 1991
Louisiana/America
9 posted 2010-12-03 07:35 PM


Thank you for your return visit, latearrival, I appreciate it. I too have trouble with some poetry I can't understand. Usually I don't comment of them unless I can think of something generic to say. I try to write so people can understand, but I know that even I "get out there" at times. Thanks again.

<><><><><><><><>

serenity, I look forward to your presence here. always. Thank you.

. . . and the Raven said, %!~#&(&#!$!

Klassy Lassy
Member Elite
since 2005-06-28
Posts 2187
Oregon
10 posted 2010-12-04 01:01 AM


There is a bookstore in a town nearby that is like the one you describe.  I don't get to spend enough time there.  Another, in my small town, is called The Hole in the Wall.  I think it's every whit as enticing as Fernando's Hideaway.   LOL  I've been in love with reading my entire life!  You portray the magic and allure of imagination and getaways with such charm, to say nothing of other temptations--like cheesecake!  
JerryPat
Senior Member
since 2010-10-30
Posts 1991
Louisiana/America
11 posted 2010-12-04 07:14 AM


Yes, there is something very appealing about bookstores, especially those used one. Thanks you Klassy for telling me about yours.

. . . and the Raven said, %!~#&(&#!$!

Margherita
Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236
Eternity
12 posted 2010-12-04 05:13 PM


This is a highly enjoyable read, very captivating indeed. I am also one who forgets time when entering a bookstore. We had "Remainders" here, but they have closed, so sad. Loved the possibility to bring there my books and to get some used ones for free. We still have a lot of "bancarelle" (stands) though. That's fun too.
But in none of these places there are two nice ladies like the ones that you are blessed with ...

Love,
Margherita

Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
13 posted 2010-12-04 05:34 PM


I love book shops...and the more nooks, the better! I've even written of one, myself!

Enjoyed, Jerry. Thank you!

JerryPat
Senior Member
since 2010-10-30
Posts 1991
Louisiana/America
14 posted 2010-12-04 05:44 PM


Thank you, Margherita. The two ladies who own and run it are nice, but there is a catch. They do not play games. You ask them something they will tell you what they think, especially Molly. I like that even though I have been on the short end of the exchange with her once or twice. I think I just may go over their tomorrow and visit for a while.

<><><><><><><><>

Sunshine, yep, you have to appreciate the nooks and crannies of these kind of places.
Although they keep the books in order so you can find them at first glance when you walk in the door you find it difficult to believe. Like II told Margherita above I think I'll pay them a visit tomorrow, my sweet tooth is acting up for some New York Cheesecake.

. . . and the Raven said, %!~#&(&#!$!

Andrew Scott
Member Elite
since 1999-06-24
Posts 2558
Redlands,CA,USA
15 posted 2010-12-04 08:08 PM


Sounds like a nice place. I like used book stores. Around here it's the Goodwill. I stock my classroom library with plenty of used books at a cheap price. But sadly, no cheesecake. Thanks for sharing this slice of life. Peace.

"We'll chase them like rats across the tundra."

JerryPat
Senior Member
since 2010-10-30
Posts 1991
Louisiana/America
16 posted 2010-12-04 08:26 PM


You are welcome, Andrew, it really is a special place.

. . . and the Raven said, %!~#&(&#!$!

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