A Library Book

I type a title, hit “Reserve;” My name gets on the list, A feature of the library That once did not exist. I wait a week or two or three And sometimes even more But then I get an email That the book is back in store. I check it out and have two weeks To read and bring it back; Then workers clear my name and they Replace it in the stack. Another patron gets a note – The book has been returned. The next in line has no idea Just where it has sojourned. The cycle will repeat itself Until the book’s passé When it will languish on a shelf Or worse, get thrown away.