Because I Read

I opened a book, the weight I carried began to go.

I opened a book, a softer world began to appear.

I opened a book, fiction believed better.

I opened a book, I could close it anytime.

I turn a page, someone else’s pain made mine feel less alone.

I turn a page, find a line

that stayed longer than most people do.

I turn a page, forget the clock exists.

I turn a page, the world forgets I exist too.

I read between the lines, truth

hides in what’s left unsaid.

I read between the lines, thinking of things I’ve never told anyone.

I read between the lines, silence

has always known how to speak.

I read between the lines, wonder

if that’s where I’ve been living all along.

I go back to the page before, afraid I’m forgetting.

I go back to the page before, memory is fragile.

I go back to the page before, things hadn’t changed yet.

I go back to the page before, ask the questions I never could.

I skip a page, the pain

sounds too familiar.

I skip a page, not out of apathy,

but because I’m already full of it.

I skip a page, pretending I didn’t.

I skip a page, and wonder what I missed.

I closed the book, I wasn’t ready to know the end.

I closed the book, I wanted to hold on to the feeling.

I closed the book, someone called my name.

I closed the book, and the world was waiting.

I finished the book, leaving a home I never knew I had.

I finished the book, and it gave me better questions.

I finished the book, and it started something in me.

I finished the book, but my questions still left unanswered.