Stop Feeding the Dust


I have books on shelves
I forgot to read.

Dust eats along their spines
smothering titles while
I polish everything around them
trying to ignore I once had goals.

It takes more time to construct
an excuse than read a sentence.

I need to draw a line through
the last days of December 
as they scurry into yesterday.

Maybe then January 1st 
will arrive with a proclamation,
“The door has slammed on
procrastination…You’ve just
entered your hallowed Someday.”

©Susie Clevenger 2024



 

Comments

Mary said…
Oh Susie, this poem speaks to me as well! I too have books I have 'forgotten' to read! Every time I look at one of them I feel guilty. I have resolved to read MOST books on Libby or check them out in the library! But, of course, there are exceptions!
Sherry Blue Sky said…
Goals? I cant even FIND my To Do list, without which I cannot function. (Or at least that's my excuse. Smiles.) I love this poem and resonate with it completely. I was supposed to be working on a book this winter. Maybe January?
Jae Rose said…
What a wonderful resolution - books are the perfect way to inch forward - Jae
Rajani said…
Well yes, there's always Jan1st to find that "someday" :) Hopefully, I'll get better with my reading and stop getting distracted by all things digital.
Susan said…
I love the title of this poem, and its emphasis on books and reading. It speaks to me seriously-lightly. I wonder when my hallowed someday will be? I know I have to set the date. I'm procrastinating!
Bing Yap said…
Your vivid imagery of neglected books and dust symbolizing lost time is both relatable and powerful, Susie.
Sumana Roy said…
Oh dear! You are speaking my mind Susie. Two main foes : procrastination and the digital world. Ugh. Love this take on the prompt.
Fireblossom said…
Interesting that you should write of this and that I should be reading it right now because I am furiously trying to make my reading goal of 26 books for the year. I ended October with only 11, and November with just 14 but am now up to 21. 5 more in 13 days?....I'm trying!
Jennifer Wagner said…
Me too. Sigh. Excellent.
Truedessa said…
I have a few books sitting on shelves waiting for me to remember....now, I need to see what is there that I haven't gotten around to reading and dust them off.
rallentanda said…
Oh dear....I am sure so many of us can relate to this poem. As a Domestic Goddess and carer I barely have time to scratch myself ( as we say Down Under) I remember a lot of reading in the dim distant past...guess that will have to sustain me.
I find books slipping past me, and I seem to be taking longer to finish.