More than a Book

All I have left of you is a book
A torn, disheveled book
The cover bears the words,” The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet”
Once clear white, it is now stained and marred

The pages are yellowed
The ink you wrote in, faded
But I can still feel your touch in this ancient play
Your sense of ownership lingers

Every time I crack open the cover, I breathe in
The musk of old print entwines itself with your scent
You always smelled of dried orange peels and worn leather
Upon smoke and torched hickory

My fingers pass lightly over your words
Your blotchy ink scrawled in every page
Notes taken, comparisons made, symbolism unraveled
Life lessons learned

Oh the lessons you taught me
For you were never fearful
You caressed danger and took note of actions
You were a gentle warrior

And though you are gone from my life alone
The memories of you delay
Worn and faded is your book of star crossed lovers and woe
But my remembrance of you, my darling, will forever be lucid