The Library

In the library
one would expect to find
those who have been to the
high places of the mind
and could guide the way
of other seekers,
tolerant of beginner's mistakes.

But this one
is the refuge of the mediocre
and those who read
to avoid life.

I want a place
safe from the hyena laugh of the clerks
some place
where small children
are not free to express their
mental diarrhea
a place
where the stroke of pen
echoes from ancient walls
and inner silence
is free to scream.

© 1999 John P. Nordin. Do not copy.