10 Understand
Metal door creaks open on rusty mailbox
The fire red flame decals flaking off
Do no step in front of passing cars
Though the library waits steps away
I remain eager to grab that packaged
Book inside to read after dark
Only banned books this summer will
Teach me how to know and feel a world
Remote from my country graveled drive
Understand how it is for others beyond
This clapboard farmhouse in need of paint
I come with sincere and humble intentions
Yes! In praise of banned books….understated and beautifully conveyed. There’s a humility here as well as a confident assertion…Who doesn’t love reading after dark? And the intention of being transported with a desire to learn….is lovely. The farmhouse description at the end, and the final line, is wonderful.