Getting lost in a book

is safer by far

than taking a ride

in a sly Uber car

where the driver is banned

from all of the bars.

 

It’s better, and grand

to be holding the hand

of a kind caring hero

than to mistakenly tryst

with a real absolute zero.

 

Instead of a party

where the snobby and haughty

shun and ignore you

fairy tales and happy endings

with shimmering weddings

fairy godmother’s allowing

after midnight rule-bending.

 

In lieu of work and woe

changing nappies, stubbing toes

making magic I’d be

‘neath a big willow tree

and Harry would see

and then befriend me.

 

Instead of vehicular gridlock

Angry people, horns blaring havoc

by the bay I’d be frocked

with best bud, our arms locked

a feast beside us on the dock.

 

When a bad day I’d have

people I can’t save

and the world seems to cave

but a good book of prose

brings me a rose

and a crown on a throne

feels like a second home

and I’ll ne’er be alone.

 

– Sandra Johnson, 6/27/21

Inspiration: “Books were safer than other people anyway.” – Neil Gaiman