(ladder)

I always wanted
a library ladder,
to roll along
a wall of books.
I don’t know
why, I hate
ladders as a rule
& avoid them
if I can.
I guess it’s cause
they seem so
securely mounted,
& the abundance
of so many books.
Besides they always
went with those
lives
that had libraries,
lives that
were themselves
abundant
& securely mounted.
Full of old leather.
Truth is I don’t
leather,
or the darkness
of those rooms.
I like one book
in a sunny room
where I am not
distracted ty too
many titles.
I’d like the ladder
to ascend instead
to an opening
in the roof.
I’d like to know
I always have
a way out.

3/20/00