Second Thoughts # 15 – ISBN Thinking About This Memory

Caught the bus for my afternoon classes only to have them cancelled. What now? Oh, I know. Off to the university library I go. Where I spent almost all of my free time while on campus. It was a five-minute walk from my political science class and I used every second of it to get there. Soaking up the semester sun and atmosphere of an ordinary Wednesday late 1990’s.

I reached the library building sign, and I could already smell the books. I can smell them now. The automatic doors opened and then automatically closed again. After a few paces, I was met by the smile of the front desk librarian. She knew me by memory, by face, but not by name. She also knew exactly where I was going. Where I was headed so fast. That cozy nook on the third floor right in the back by the half window that had a great view of the watchtower. People watcher bliss. It was the one with the comfy patched-up chair and carved-up desk I fitted in like it was made custom. The initial sit was always an ahhhh moment. Then I’d peruse the names itched on the desktop. The true loves and was here’s. The numbers left for inquiring minds. “For a very good time please call.” Along with random study notes written in deep blue ink and stickmen galore. Some with a dick and balls but all of them with a smiley face.

Books made me feel safe when I was with them. Boxed in and protected by layers of a literary forcefield. A vibe that felt like a different world. Taking me to far off places, showing me things I never knew existed, and making me as smart, enlightened, and entertained as I wanted to be. Curled up in blankets of pages. I loved those pages and how they felt to my touch. To my fingers. How the spines weaved in and out holding the book together forever I bet if proper care was taken. Each one of them like gems and jewels to me. Some I would read, some I would explore, all of them I would touch at least once.

Nestled I was, in my own conjured dream with not one soul knowing where I had drifted away. Just me in those moments. Something most will never experience. How detached you could be from the rest of civilization with only a book to keep you company. The rest of the world couldn’t find you and distraction wasn’t a thing. The calm in that state is something missed. Missed by me anyway. I’m only glad that I have these second thoughts that I hold as bookmarks. Keeping that place for me when I look back. And, the best part is that I can keep them checked out forever and that’s something I will always Dewey period. No wait…Decimal!

Until…