what’s hidden behind the shabby black cover?
stories about a villain or a long lost lover?
scuffs and scratches like a palm’s ley lines
threatening mysteries and ominous signs

what’s hidden within the worn ivory pages?
tales of baby killings or long lived sages?
rustles and whispers foretelling the past
flaxen foundations beneath moments vast

a forbidden fruit is often the sweetest one
and the most sinful deeds often much more fun
so, how does one not yield to the temptation
to circumvent the usual pedestrian damnation?

hold your breath like an anchor and jump off that cliff
all book learning and vice yearning has a beguiling whiff
it draws out the courage needed to forge ahead and discover
so you’ll find all that’s hidden behind the shabby black cover

* Dedicated to all the souls out there waiting to be unbolted or unscrewed. May your 2022 be free-spirited and full of cool adventures!

by TETIANA ALEKSINA & TONY SINGLE
© All rights reserved 2021