Provenance
Record and trace of ownership
Beguiling proof and certainty that
What we have is precious and
Priceworthy
I have books I like
I like to look at them (wish they
Were better arranged), though
Mostly I like to use them
Once signed or deemed valued
In any other way, the book
Becomes artifact, then as such
Not used again
I guess we have many things
Like that: with provenance
Proved or started with the first
Costly thing that now needs
Tracking of its own
I’d rather try the things—touch
Them, enjoy them in the world
Of rough dimension they came
From
There’s beauty in raw elegance
Unproved
clcouch123 
April 11, 2016 at 4:31 am
Much agreed with what you are saying here. Things of value such as books that you have, maybe worth a good amount of money kept pristine and untouched. But what good is a book if you can’t read it and take notes in it or crease a corner on a page you want to come back to. Some people would be aghast I like to do those things but I believe, like you touch and use make things valuable. Honestly, the best books I’ve had were filled with notes by another reader or myself. Wonderful job at this poem.
April 11, 2016 at 3:40 pm
Thank you! And I appreciate your relating in your use of books. I have beat-up copies of Macbeth and The Mayor of Casterbridge that I take with me from place to place. I’m happy to hear you have these freedoms, too.
April 12, 2016 at 8:07 am
books are indeed a provenance once should touch, and feel. Another thought-provoking piece, Christopher!
April 12, 2016 at 8:30 pm
Thanks! Thanks for a shared approach to books!
April 13, 2016 at 3:35 am
indeed! 😀