It was just a small store, secondhand, but full of books,
Somewhat poky to move around in,
Almost cavernous, so really, just perfect.
Upon entering, I browsed in the sci-fi section.
The shopkeeper, an older man, who looked like
he’d worked there for over forty years approached,
“Are you having fun?” He asked.
“Yes, just looking at the blurbs and so forth. Are you having a good day?”
He muttered something under his breath
about the sci-fi books and then,
“I’m just checking to make sure all of the books are straightened -
They’re of a certain quality you see.”
And he returned to his flailing two- seater lounge,
at the back right-hand corner of the store to read.
“Do you have card facilities?” I asked, after making my choices.
“Pub across the road will help you out,” he stated.
“Okay, I’ll be back shortly”.
“I’ll be here reading,” said the man.
“Good book?” I asked on my return.
“Yes, uh.., er.., an Australian detective series from the 60’s. Very good.”
He got up from the lounge chair,
and looked at the four thriller genre books I’d selected,
and stacked these on top of each other.
“That’ll keep you busy until tomorrow!” He guffawed.
“That’s twenty-two dollars.” The man continued,
“People say uh.., - I’d like to have a bookshop, well.., I made one!”
“Yes, it’s very good,” I acknowledged.
“Yes - they are of a certain quality, you see.”
“Very good quality,” I nodded. “Have a good afternoon,”
I smiled to the shopkeeper.
As I exited, the bell on the door rattled softly.
-2021
* Thank you for reading my “slice of life” narrative style poem. A couple of months ago I returned to the little bookstore on South Road, and asked after the gentleman. His wife there informed me that her husband had passed away last spring. I had not been there in a while, so I was glad to have captured this little interaction with him, however small.
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About the Creator
Grz Colm
Film and TV reviews, 🎞 as well as short stories and free verse poems.
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Comments (16)
This was a nice and heartwarming read! Good job!
What is it about book shops and book sellers? I often wander around them, seldom buy anything - too much choice. When I do buy I think I read fewer than 1 in 10 of my purchases. But I keep going back... This captured the feel of a bookshop perfectly. So well done and thanks for sharing
Oh! 💔💓💕💖
What a beautiful snapshot of a totally significant moment in life. So many of them we don't recognize. I could even smell the old books.
nice way to write ans summarize it
Excellent Work !
I really like this because it has heart and it's outside of the interior. I love reading things that get me out of me and into slices of life. I love learning from those slices of life. Good work Grz.
It's the small, fleeting moments that we get to capture before they're gone forever that resonate strongly with me. Catching a glimpse of his life that existed at the same time as you, only to later know he's not there anymore, has an incredible impact on the shortness and frailty of our lives.
Loved this… it reminded me of the Arthur Upfield “Inspector Bonaparte”detective novels I enjoyed in my youth.
Is there anything better than a small book store. Well done really enjoyed this slice of life
Some bookstores are unforgettable.
I read The Bookstore again. Still my favorite. It feels like home.
This was such a beautiful moment in time for you to capture. It feels so "mundane" (for a lack of better word) but has this layer of depth that really builds the story! I love this little passage!
This was such a beautiful slice of life and a way to acknowledge the way some people make an impact.
This is my favorite of all your stories. I would like to own a bookshop, never too late, even if books are not so popular anymore. I love this story.
Owning a bookstore was my dream. In my next life I will, or sooner. This is a most wonderful little story. True, Right. Angels that we meet in passing. I love this walk down the road.