Amanda J. Evans

Wiping away the thick covering of dust
To reveal the ancient leather binding
A smell familiar with old words assaults my nose

Lifting back the binding to reveal weathered pages
My heart quickening with anticipation

What will it reveal, this ancient tome?
Stories of great battles, lost love, magic?

My fingers caress the pages
Taking in the words, first edition
A literary masterpiece in my presence

Fingers gently turning the pages
My mind awake with wonder
As I read the words of the great story teller
And it begins
Once upon a time