That musty smell hits me as I walk down the long aisles of books that line the walls on either side. These books call to me, as a long-lost lover cries out to his beloved, beseeching, yearning, pleading that they meet again. My feet linger next to a pile of hardback books dropped carelessly on the floor. They have a certain pull, a draw that I cannot resist.
Not minding the dust on the worn-out floor, I squat squarely in the midst of my friends, my parchment companions. Picking up the topmost of the pile, I leaf through the first few pages. A soft smile appears on the end of my lips. It slowly widens into a grin as the plot progresses. Soon, before I know it, my head is thrown back and I am laughing out loud, in guffaws, not befitting a lady, I might add.
The loud ‘Shush’ of the librarian cuts through my hilarity, like a hard saw through frozen ice. I still my emotions and pick up another friend. The red binding on the outer cover is , in no way, indicative of the depth of content inside. Don’t judge a book by its cover? Maybe that makes sense.
In total contentment, I lean on the shelf behind me, soaking in the odour of books, the pungent dust and the proximity of my non-judgmental friends.
‘Can I have another cookie?’
My eyes pop open. The library is gone. I am on the porch, sitting in my armchair with my laundry load before me. An innocent face looks up, not realising that he has wrenched me back from my most favourite place on earth.
Sighing, I hand over the cookie and lean back, closing my eyes.
But, the moment is lost.
This post has been written in response to today’s Writing 101 Prompt
Day Two’s prompt is: If you could zoom through space in the speed of light, what place would you go to right now?
Yes, I believe readers everywhere feel this way, particularly since musty libraries everywhere are a dying sight.
Anyone who has had anything to do with books will live this post. Enjoyed your imagery Shailaja.
I think I found a new friend <3 Former owner of a bookstore? What a lovely job!
I notice you covered books too in your post, Shalini <3
I have no words. I am literally speechless! That is probably the best compliment I have received since I began writing! Thank you so much, Pang!I shall endeavour to do my best. Very happy to have you here on the blog <3
You might not know that I am a food blogger, and so far I only followed bloggers with same interest. However, ever since Justine from “eclectic odds n sods” introduced me to your blog, I have been captivated by your writing. 🙂
Your writing catapulted me back to my innocent days. Thank you for the good memory, Shailaja 🙂
I am addicted to your writing now. I will be coming back for more 🙂
Your imagery is so rich, I could literally smell the musky, wonderful smell of those old, dusty books on the floor! Wonderfully written, Shailaja. Beautifully sketched.
Ahh…that wonderful smell of paper, ink, and dust warmed by the sun. Loved the images in this post, but then, as the former owner of a small book store (not to mention a mom and grandmom), how could I not? Enjoyed your writing…I’ll be watching for more.
Beautiful write again!!! And books!! Woww…. 🙂 🙂
Thank you so much for the linkback and your warm words of praise! I am still smiling 🙂
That’s true, I guess. Still, I miss those days of complete bookworm-dom 🙂
But I believe that these moments re energise us and we move forward actively…I too love that musty smell of old books…lovely
I almost got lost in the pile of books. I love the musty smell of old books and this post reminded me of it. Nice 🙂
As a mother, I can relate. Beautifully written, by the way. Engaged my senses.
I was sneezing from the dust! I could feel the emotion in this piece. Well done. Sorry about the sneeze.