Word Fall

Grab a book now by its hip
And give it a shake, and watch

The rows of sleepless words

Peel off its face, and fall
            Like feathers made of lace

On to the hard-wood floor, and settle down

            Quietly

Like schoolchildren in a hall of prayer.

Walk down to them, pick up a few,

And lay them down on strips of cloth,

            Gently, carefully, like nacre pearls,

And feel their weights, in tens of grams

Like paper stems and wings of wasps.

Then bring them close, under your nose,

And force a whiff, until the smells

            Of honeysuckle, white lily, jasmine

Waft into your soul.

And when the course of examination

Is done, roll them up into a ball,

            Check for any leaks or dents

And gently watch them fall.