[John Riley]

Behind the Screen

It was time to search
for the book.
I couldn’t put it off any longer.
It was a necessary book
and I had no choice
but to search until I found it.
The bookshelves are located
in no particular order
throughout this old house
that is larger than we need.
We are only two people.
As I searched I thought
I caught the scent
of a freshly washed child
hurrying past although
I am not certain. I am
free of the means needed
to verify sensations.
Many things fly past when
I move and when I stand
and when I stare, although
I am often reminded
there is nothing to be seen
or heard or smelled.
I continued my search
and eventually found the book
of classic Chinese poetry
selected and translated
by David Hinton.
It is lying face down now
on the far side of the table
behind the computer screen.