The Old Book Shop

Old books with faded gold leaf titles,
A magazine about Belfast, ripped and torn,
1878, a pamphlet about lice and carbuncles,
That must be worth a bob or two,
The Old Book Shop stood on the corner,
And had done for donkey years,
The floor stacked with foreign books,
French poetry, Spanish wine,
German cuisine, Scotland walks,
I picked out one from the top shelf,
Mrs Dingles Country Recipes,
The pages turning to dust,
The cover all but gone,
“How much” I asked the bookseller,
“Put something in the charity box”
……………………

Inside on page 12, a postcard,
A seaside photo from Hastings,
“Having a wonderful time, wish you were here”
A 1840 penny black, looked back, pristine,
£1000 said the philatelist,
Back in The Old Book Shop,
I dropped £100 in the charity box,
And smiled at the owner.




Poetry by JohnJohn
Read 223 times
star mini Editors' choice
Written on 2022-12-23 at 09:11

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Editorial Team The PoetBay support member heart!
Your poem has been chosen to be featured on the home page of PoetBay. Thank you for posting on our poetry website!
2023-01-02


Alan J Ripley The PoetBay support member heart!
Thanks for posting enjoyed the read.
This reminded me of a story that was told to me.
About my dad's dysfunctional family.
Posted under family life. Thanks for inadvertently
Reminding me. regards Alan
2022-12-25


D G Moody The PoetBay support member heart!
A damn good poem John John - so good he got named twice. It told a story - essential! With a wee twist at the end. And it made me look up your catalogue - even better!
2022-12-23


one trick pony The PoetBay support member heart!
I enjoyed being in the book shop with you, the happy circumstance of finding the penny black, and the smile you offered the owner.
2022-12-23


Griffonner The PoetBay support member heart!
A charming poem describing a moral attitude that is sadly lacking in our World today. Thankyou for bringing a smile to my face this morning. Bravo.
Allen
2022-12-23