Literary Favorite

August 21, 2026

I want to unwrap you

like a book

fresh from the bookstore.

I want to open your cover

to smell the ink,

to leaf through the pages

savoring every passage.

I want to leave marks

underlining phrases

doodling in your margins

leaving corners bent on favorite pages.

Terrify me with the storm,

make me clench my fist at the villain,

and fall in love with the librarian.

Compel me toward each new adventure.

Toward the conclusion I’ll slow down

as I yearn for resolution, but hope it will never end.

I’ll finish,

close the cover with a smile,

and relax

knowing it won’t be long

until I get to read you again.

195/365

Bruno Talerico