She gave out her heart like a library book,

not minding if it came back

dog eared, tea stained, well thumbed.

When she handed it to me

I could see the tear stains

left over from previous readings

and didn’t have to ask

if there was going to be a happy ending.

I just took it with care,

did not leave on the windowsill

to collect mould or yellow

in the sun.

I did not cram it,

to the bottom of my bag,

or leave it to shunt for space

with the biros and pencils

left loose and jostling down there.

I kept it well past the return date.

She was surprise when I asked

if she could renew my loan.

Daily Post Prompt: Borrow