A Simple Joy by Carl “Papa” Palmer

This man was reading in his room
~ William Wordsworth

My last hour each day
as I hit the hay
is unwinding time
relaxing as I’m
feeding my obsession.

Not just wanting, but needing
to turn pages, reading
this chapter and next
taking in text
until me or my book is done.

No way can I measure
my nocturnal pleasure
of lying in bed
with a book to be read,
new adventures to devour.

I can go any place
while staying home safe
with no social distance
or mask for existence
in my nightly ivory tower.