Molly smelled a book today
Clogged became her airway
Spores of mold filled her alveoli
As she keeled over on the floor
Marina opened a book this morning
Black growth wasn’t enough warning
Now her breakfast is reborning
As she flees out of the door
Shelly read a pop-up book at noon
Crunchy, dead bugs festoon
The words and tune
Shelly wants to read no more
Hannah sought a book for class
Through every aisle she did pass
Missing labels, spines and brass
She failed to find what she looked for
Do not tremble at my tale
Not all books are mold and stale
We weed and repair without fail
The library will soon be safe to explore
Image Description: A metal loose leaf tea steeper, a clear mug of tea, and a thin book sit on a white tray decorated with purple flowers and butterflies. The tray is on an off-white metal spiral pattern patio table. A white wrought iron chair sits at the table.