The approval of books

An old friend from long ago

Sent a sudden photo –

Rows of temporary stalls

Decking dusty lanes

Bound with books,

Ah - Winter’s bookfair

Where you can smell the fresh print

In every pixel

 

But emptiness descends

As I realise

This distance today –

This was where growing up began

This was where unaffordable glossy books

Could be touched and felt;

Rupa, Oxford, Ananda

Names that became faithful companions

Ready to talk to you

Even today…

 

I feel guilty

That old friends

Are still turning up

At the cross-roads of time

While I, snobbish, arrogant

Chose to not return

 

‘Why do you despair?’ the books ask

‘Is there still love

For cream page and black print?’

I nod

‘Is there still the same anticipation

Of holding an unseen volume?

Of course,

‘’Then where have you changed?

It is just that

You are taking your time

Not that you are late!’

 

But I had not attended

For ages

Unbiased by human emotions,

They seem to smile,

Those who empower you

Give you wings to fly

Can they complain

You are now reaching for the sky?

For those who read books

Without touching a sheaf,

Trees blossom within -

Even without a leaf…

29^th Jan 2026

 

Inspired by the Kolkata Book Fair 2026, after my sister sent a photo spiralling my memories to many a fond visit