World Literature:
Robert M. Giannetti (USA)
Old Bookseller
I am a book keeper.
Like a bee keeper
I care for them.
They have never stung me.
I wear the mask and gloves
of cultivation
when I touch them,
seeking the honeycomb,
taking it from the hive.
I consume some of it,
but most goes to others,
sweetening their drinks
and confections and dispositions.
Brought to a store in jars,
it can sit on the shelf for a long time,
but eventually finds
its way to the spoon
of the mind. Poured over
madness or sadness
it sticks to the mouth,
turning the corners
of a smile with silent satisfaction.
