I am here on the steps
Of the Brockton Public Library.
The massive granite building
In the Neo Classic style is
Intimidating to this eight year old
Sent by her mother to find
Some books to read as
There were none in their
Depression era home.
The door is huge and it
Takes all my strength
To push it open and
Walk into the silent
Dimly-lit airless atmosphere.
A sign sends me to the children’s section
Down a flight of worn marble stairs
To a pinched room with a stern librarian
Who has no time for question.
Alone I find The Bobbsey Twins
Hurriedly choose one only to find
That I need a parent’s signature
On the long pink form in order
To be issued the necessary card.
I leave without the book
And never return.
– jml (2010)
