#sol2014 I thought about Finkelstein's

We drove past Finkelstein's on Sunday.

It was not the grand building that lives in my memory, 

but, it still took my breath away.  

I used to love going to the dentist, 

despite that awful drill and the pungent smells, 

because it meant a coveted trip to the library 

(across the street).

I thought about the dusty shelves in Finkelstein's

as a reluctant reader told me how much he enjoyed   

I hesitantly introduced the classic easy reader last week

aware that it's depiction of Native American's was cliche.

He read it again and again this weekend,
a predictable tale of a bear 

who learns that more is not always better
reminding me that books, in spite of cultural differences,
reflect timeless messages.

I thought about the dusty shelves in Finkelstein's

as an avid reader told me how much she enjoyed   

I probably wouldn't have picked this graphic novel it for her

aware of it's topic and depiction of 

how our society responds to those who are different.
Yet she devoured it's message that we can
overcome challenges and find joy,
 imploring me to pick up another children's book,
making me think of those dusty shelves in Finkelstein's,again.