If you borrow a book from me
By Lavanya Arora
And the spine is intact, crack it open.
Fold the sides when you want to remember a page.
Dog-ear them to answer that urgent call.
Take your favourite pen
Fill the marginalia with what the book makes you feel.
Scribble between lines when the space runs dry
The ink shouldn't.
Have a two-way conversation for once in your life.
Spend all your sweetened time with it.
Use it as a coaster for your coffee mug.
Make circles with a sweating cup of tea
That always spills but never enough.
And if, in the swirls of daily life, you happen to lose it
Don't hesitate to tell me about it.
Lend me one of your favourite books.
Borrow another book from me.
Lavanya (they/he) is an independent researcher and writer exploring biology, culture, and food through stories, poetry, and narrative-driven articles. They find solace in nature, cooking and eating well-balanced meals, and Ghibli movies. Their work has previously appeared in Conde Nast Traveller, enthucutlet, Galway and Belfast Pride Festivals, among others. They were a part of the Himalayan Emerging Writers Residency 2024. They can be found on @lavauroa.