Brianna Rodriguez
Overconsumption: With respect
to Rita Dove and Eve Merriam
Stephanie Stowers
I’ve never had just one book.
If I did I would rage through it.
I would let the pages turn brown
and draw stars on my favorite moments.
I would fold a page when I wanted a break,
far enough to resemble a dog's ear. I would dull
the glistening, shininess on the paperback cover
and crinkle the spine till white lines appeared.
I would foster it in round table discussions,
quoting my favorite lines while supporting
thoughts effortlessly influenced by the pages.
It would fall into my tote bag
without reason, without thought.
I would love it. I would make it
a part of me.