Belfast 135 Book - Flipbook - Page 75
Mobile Library
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You appeared majestically,
out of the bleak, tired, monotonous nothing!
An awkward bucket of nuts and bolts and 昀氀oorboards,
painfully trembling.
Neighbours used to call you “a dolled-up skip, on wheels”.
But to my eight year old eyes, you were a glimmering carriage of dreams.
Many did complain about your rickety stairs, your slipping doors
But I just couldn’t wait to speedily scamper on board.
I read volumes of knowledge and nostalgia
I read about the mysterious adventurer
I read about the willing traveler
I read about Willy Wonka.
As your 昀氀oorboards quake and tremble beneath my tiny feet,
I am aboard the mighty pirate ship of which I excitedly read.
As the turbulence rocks me rapidly from side to side,
I breathe a sigh, and in my mind decide,
You’re still my safest haven in which to hide.
(Many years later)
Today, I rode my trembling wooden carriage,
along the Newtownards Road.
Dodging dips, and manholes, carrying a tremulous load.
It’s World Book Day, I am an adult now
with many words and stories to deliver.
Today, it is me who causes the passers-by to watch in wonder.
Today “I” bring volumes of knowledge and Nostalgia.
Today, “I” am the mysterious adventurer.
Today, “I” am the willing traveller.
Today, “I” am Willy Wonka.
The triumphant blaze of colour on my carriage,
illuminous to radiant extremes.
Like the precious kingdom of “library” that has inspired me.
Today, I 昀椀nally got to live out my childhood dream.
Because, today I am The Mobile Library.
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- Jim McLean
(from the Guild of Library Writer)
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