On The Shelf

It's been years since anyone's
taken me out. Years.

You may not believe this
but I was popular once. Yes,

I could tell some tales. But won't.
I'm discreet. A closed book.

Accustomed to keeping myself
to myself. Not that

I've given up hope. I'm sure
I'm just what someone out there

is looking for;
which is why I sit here

day after day, night after night,
year after year after year.


Poem copyright Bernard Young 2010


Note: The book I've used doesn't deserve to be left on the shelf. Well worth reading.

The Lonely Polygamist by Brady Udall, published by Jonathan Cape, 2010