Is this just a story in stanzas?
to its fully closed position.
not wrinkled, not overly worn.
the items that separate pages.
Re: Is this just a story in stanzas?
I don't find fault with a story told this way.
I loved getting a glimpse of the poet's emotion in the last stanza. And what an ending! I wouldn't change anything about the poem.
Okay, I questioned the title. Then I got out my Williams-Sonoma kitchen scale and weighed the slim white leatherette Bible I carried as a girl. Just over a pound.
Todd, I like the picture here and can follow the progression. I was looking for more out of the title. I can only assume you meant it as a description of the bible, but am not sure.
I am a little confused with the way you go from the picture I get where you say "your bible" in the first stanza to where you are TELLING me "I am reading from my grandfather's bible'' in the last stanza. It seems you are talking to your grandfather, maybe, and then it changes to me or whoever the reader might be. Consistancy? I'm not sure if that is meant to be in italics which would throw a different light on it. I can't tell with the black background. Good poem.
I hear it as a narrative poem.
There is a story, but not until you describe the Bible. Narrative poetry can be powerful. I am not fond of the title: it adds very little and who cares how much it weighs? It would mean more if it was PapPaw's Bible or Grandfather's Bible to me. : ) Then, we'd know what's coming too. Actually the first line could be the title. In S 1, I see the Bible. Good. S 2: I like how you used "not". Repetition, holding it together. So in S 1, we see what we have; S 2, what we don't have. Easy to follow too. I'm good with those two Stanzas. But then, the prose begins. Stanza 1: your bible, so in Stanza 3 you could claim it as something that is YOURS. My way of claiming my legacy: I open the book to Psalms 23 (just grabbed that out of nowhere) and open my mouth: The Lord is my Shepherd. . . show us what you are doing? The rest will click in because we know it is your Grandfather's bible. I'd just describe your doings with it. Maybe use some alliteration or assonance. Thanks for sharing.
I like the poem as is and would love to see a companion piece that deals with the mystery!