Félicien Rops, "Le Bibliothécaire," (1878-1881)
It is not your reading that he resents
You could be reading scripture, or cook books
Think of the problem a novel presents
His tool, made a toy: no soul, but great looks
All novels educate you, in a way
It must be pleasant and subtle, or you
With wounded pride, would throw the book away
But each one brings a small world into view
One he did not make, with its own logic
Where things can be that, in his world, cannot
You can imagine laws made by magic
Or bodies that never succumb to rot
He does not want you to see that thinking
Can make new worlds, or keep ours from stinking
About the Creator
D. J. Reddall
I write because my time is limited and my imagination is not.
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Comments (6)
Really, really good DJ. I like the flow, I like the idea, and I particularly liked "Where things can be that, in his world, cannot". The contrast between what his powers and the power we have through story, is excellent.
I love the power of books, it feels like, being highlighted here! Sonnes master!
That art is the cover pic is new to me. I love it, and it's so relevant. Great sonnet, and you nailed it with the last two line. Well done!
Heyyyy DJ! My commenting ability was revoked on 15 May and only now I'm able to comment. That's why I've only been reading and hearting your stuff without commenting.
I feel like the line “ he does not want to you to see that thinking can make new worlds” applies to every major religion and certain political groups. Well done as usual!
I feel like I've not visited you for a bit. I'm not sure why that is. Deftly done with this, sir! I never thought books could be creepy but that bloke in that drawing is Creepmaster Central. Wonderful sonnet as usual.