A Long, Long Time Ago

A long, long time ago,
Before the advent of t.v.
Or even radio,
Things were done much differently.

Distractions weren’t as plentiful,
And people didn’t rush.
No neverending busy-ness,
But time for peace, and hush.

And at day’s end, when chores were through
Or just to have a break,
You’d take a moment just for you,
Relax for your own sake.

You’d curl up with a friendly book
In window-seat, or chair
By candlelight, in cozy nook,
You’d find a respite there

And lose yourself in other worlds,
The characters so real.
‘Til hours fled by like minutes,
With a book of grand appeal.

Along with bookstores, libraries
Hope we won’t see the day
When printed books are obsolete,
I hope they’re here to stay.