Shhh

Leather, paper, and brick.

“The silent finger”

is at pursed lips.

Reverence in the stacks.

I get it, every word

is a gift.

Quiet is fine.

But, I live for discussion sounds.

I didn’t make the rules.

They say, “Quiet,”

to them, I say “Shhh!”

Turns of whispered pages

and mouthed readings

join respectful steps.

Calm interactions

everyone expects.

Quiet is okay.

But, I live for bustling sounds.

I didn’t make the rules

They say, “Hush,”

To them, I say, “Shhh!”

I’m a place of few words:

“I need to breathe,

to grow and change.

I’d die a slow death

apart from my people;

mortally estranged.”

Quiet is so yesterday.

And, I live for my community

Time to make new rules

I’m a place of unity

No more “Shhh!”