the last book

the last book

upon putting down the book while noting the page
as to reflect on what was read and resting tired eyes
a thought gave pause to look a mind tries to engage
the path on which life is lead despite truth and lies
a time of last things to come completely unexpected
when things are not set aside but discarded forever
to suddenly realize it’s done images now unreflected
misunderstand the tears cried over the lost endeavor
as covers crack pages curl and the print slowly fades
gathering on a shelf dust ridden hiding in their secrets
the words no longer unfurl no longer tint their shades
ancient thoughts now hidden but for remembered bits
what does education show once the mind is scattered
what does the heart know once the soul is shattered