by Jocelyn Ajami
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AI-generated graphic by NightCafé for The New Verse News. |
In the libraries of distortion
eyes blur mites with dust
they scan empty racks
like x-rays of aging spines
the shelves bend and tilt
from the heft of books
once held with reverence
tossed out like easy trash
In the libraries of distortion
mirrors line the walls
from ceiling to floor, multiplying
a gleaming buzz
that binges on translucence—
Narcissus on steroids—
In the libraries of distortion
there are no chairs, tables
or stools, only beds
that glitter, bearing pallid
corpses, ensured
a good read on life
Jocelyn Ajami is a painter, filmmaker and poet. She turned to writing poetry in 2014 as a way of connecting more intimately with issues of social conscience and cultural awareness. She has been published in various anthologies of prize winning poems and has been nominated for Pushcart and Touchstone awards.
