bookshops are like lovers
they numb in black & white
then seduce you with colour
titillate and tempt your soul
until you finally let go
find the courage to close
the book ~ pages which leave
you gasping ~ the breath of air
on your face feels like a slap
This poem WON 3RD PRIZE in the
“Inner City Life” Literary Competition 2004'
December 2004 - NSW Writers Centre.
Frances Macaulay Forde