When You Meet A Friend
Ted Hibbard

To meet a friend
is to open a book
there is no need to rush
take your time
read the pages
one by one
let the plot unfold
as it will

each page adds a nuance,
a gesture, a word, a scene
what will happen next
you need to know

your lips begin to move
you suddenly realize
you’ve become one of the characters
in an enthralling life story

you can not help yourself
the heroine’s dreams
have become your dreams
your lives have become
completely intertwined

then suddenly
you realize
with a deep sense of dread
you’re coming
to the end of that
wonderful volume

but wait
do not fear
see
over there —
stacked up on those shelves —
an infinite number of books
by the very same author
waiting, ready

more stories to be read

when you meet a friend

Consider this: Keep reading new stories.