Come with me on a journey
Browse this little bookshop

The welcome bell tinkles as I enter
A favorite song from college days plays softly in the background
Stacks and spines show off their colors and fonts
Like frisky puppies in a pet store
Look at me! Pick me!
The wine bar promises post-purchase refreshment.

My hand floats over book covers
A literary divining rod
seeking nourishment from this buffet
of human endeavor and creativity
When I discover the perfect book
I feel I just stepped through
a moon gate of limitless potential.

The wine takes the edge off my prejudice
I drop down into beauty and rhythm and hope
Receiving the spirit of those waiting to be heard
My soul meets an unexpected Other
And returns home
subtly changed.

if you were with me,
we could solve all the problems of humanity.
All it takes are two glasses of Château Maris
and a bookshop.
There’s nothing more than this.