In the driver's seat

As we checked out books at the library today, I happened to turn and look over my shoulder. A basket filled with bright bits of folded paper sitting in the center of a large table stopped me. I could hear the librarian scan in each book, close the covers and stack them in front of us. I continued to stare at the basket, wanting one of those secrets. They were blank on the outside, but I knew there had to be words somewhere on them. We were in a library, after all.

"These are due April 28th," the librarian said, pushing the pile towards me.

"Thanks," I said, picking them up to put in my back pack.

Then I saw it. A sign on the basket read, "Please take. Happy National Poetry Month!"

I grabbed a sky blue and a buttercup yellow and hurriedly zipped the books into their carrier so that we made it to the car before the parking meter expired.

In a moment's calm at home, after cooking and dinner and teeth brushing and stories, I remembered what I'd shoved into my pocket hours earlier. I've scanned one of the poems, on its actual slip of paper, and featured it above.

If you didn't read it as you started this post, I recommend you go back to "At Last" by James Stevenson. It has that smile at the end that makes so many poems, especially those written for children, memorable. It creates insight through focusing on one detail or strong central image. It brings parts of life to our attention that we miss as we rush around in our tracks, acting out our daily routines, often with blinders on.

Now when I see a dog being chauffeured about, I'll think, "Oh, I bet that puppy can't wait to get to the parking lot." But Mr. Stevenson's glimpse into hidden canine driving desires raises a question for me: what about the cats?

Comments

[Craftygreenpoet]

I like the poem, it made me smile. But a deeper question still as we approach Easter is what about the rabbits?

[Colorful Prose]

LOL! I love the poem!

[Tori]

This is a great poem and being a dog owner I can totally relate. My husband and I recently went on a road trip and got a kick out of the dog hopping into the front seat each time we stopped for a bathroom break!

[MichelleL]

I smiled, too. It's the universality of the observation and the reaction that is so cool. Thanks for sharing this.

[Marcia (MeeAugraphie)]

I loved his poem, and what a great idea by someone at the library. Thanks for sharing the story.

[rel]

Kristin,
I've had dogs cats and rabbits among other things. Only the dogs want to drive. The cats prefer to be chauffered and the rabbits they just wait for a chance to make Easter eggs. ;-)

[gautami]

Smiling after reading the poem...

gautami
Ode to the Bard

[Norma]

What a nice thing for your library staff to do. A great explanation--good story telling.