Favorite Gift

When I was a kid, I couldn't wait

For the arrival of Christmas Eve.

What was hiding in those boxes?

What were we kids going to receive?

A BB gun, a pogo stick,

And roller skates were fun to get.

Games were exciting, as were a nifty

Microscope and erector set.

Through the years, although receiving

Such presents surely gave me a lift,

A gift certificate to Pickwick

Bookshop was my favorite gift.

I don't mind admitting that I

Was probably a nerd--a geek.

Other kids and I were on

Different wavelengths, so to speak.

Dad would drive me to Hollywood,

Gladly, but still always remarking

How it was a nuisance to have to

Drive so far and pay for parking.

On entering the giant shop,

Dad told me to go explore

That fascinating, multi-level

World of words--books galore!

Explore I did. It didn't take me

Long to have my books in hand.

The feeling you get is one that only

A bibliophile would understand.

Pickwick Bookshop's no longer there.

But I am grateful that I had

Those end-of-the-year book adventures

And spending special moments with Dad.

-by Bob B (12-16-19)