I sit surrounded by the books I’ve read–
Not all, of course, that have passed through my head,
Years taking many from me. They have led
Me down strange roads and long, my scholar’s self,
Those tomes and pamphlets ranging on each shelf
That all together make the little delph
Through which I, longing, search out wisdom’s ore.
Such as I find, I gather, put in store
For later smelting, shaping, thence to shore
Up bulwarks raised against the creeping doom
That seems yet more each day to o’erhead loom.
If I should die here, I’ve at least my tomb,
Already wrought as I’d have me surround
Between my final breath and final ground.

I remain happy to write to order for you; fill out the form below to get started!

Or you can send your support along directly!