the librarian
the librarian moves with pensive grace
gives each book its due
then gently returns it to the shelf
hair swept back, face concealed by a mask
she moves soundlessly between shelves
until defeated by an obstinate cart
slanted winter sun through narrow windows
sets her pale skin alight
where it peeks from her flannel sleeves
off in the stacks he stares at his book
reading the same paragraph over and over
as the sun dips below the sills
/ / /
4 January 2022
Albany NY
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