Book Lovers

Robert Allen

December 10, 2023

after James Tate

        One slow gray Thursday afternoon Earl was

reading in the living room when Nadine called from

the bedroom: “Why is there a row of pennies on the

dresser?” “It seemed like a good idea at the time.”

“What do you mean, husband?” “You know I don’t

carry pocket change anymore. That’s where I put

pennies when I empty my pockets.” “Can’t you put

them in a drawer?” “The drawer is for nickels, dimes,

and quarters,” Earl replied. “I think you’re resistant

to change.” “Are you making a pun?” “No, not at all.

You are resistant to change.” “I am not,” Earl

countered. “Life is change. I read it in a book once.”

“What book, Earl?” “I think it was The Chrysalids

by John Wyndham.” “You never read that book.”

“The amazon telepath makes a speech at the end.”

“You got that out of Wikipedia. I’ll tell you where

you got the idea. You heard it in a song by Jefferson

Airplane called “Crown of Creation.” They got it

from Wyndham’s book.” “Okay, you caught me.

I did read it, though, in another book.” “What book

was that, dear?” “A book called Heal Your Body by

Louise Hay.” “Sounds like something your brother

told you about. What does it say in that book about

change?” “Dagnabbit, I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Wait,” Nadine called out. “Is this a copy of Heal

Your Body here on the bed?” “Don’t you dare

pick up that book.” “Let me see. Right here on

page sixty-six, when you look up stroke, it plainly

says: Giving up. Resistance. “Rather die than

change.” Rejection of life. Is that why you didn’t

want me to read this?” “Yes. Because that’s not

at all what I was thinking when I had my stroke.”

“Oh? What were you thinking, dear?” “I don’t want

to talk about it.” “Sounds like you’re resisting

change.” “I am not.” “By the way, husband, have

you changed your pants recently?” “No. I’m going

to wear these jeans until they can stand up all by

themselves.” “That’s what your father used to say

to your mother.” “Oh, yeah? Well, some things never

change.” “Oh, yeah? Well, it’s starting to rain, love.”

Robert Allen is retired and lives in San Antonio with his wife, two children, five antique clocks, and two cats. He has poems in Voices de la Luna, the 2023 Texas Poetry Calendar, and TPA. He loves cardio-boxing workouts, hates to throw things away, and facilitates Gemini Ink's in-person Open Writer's Lab.