Old Stacks of Books Leather Tied

In our modern world, where technology has taken center stage, it's not uncommon to hear people lamenting about the loss of traditional ways of life. But for some, this nostalgia is more than just a passing thought - it's a tangible connection to their past.

I was reminded of this recently when I visited my friend Stacy, who had just welcomed a new addition to her family. As we gazed at the infant's adorable face, my friend remarked, 'It's crazy, but I think she's beginning to look like me.' We all smiled, though she didn't smile back - yet.

For years, Stacy was the last of our friends without children. Her journey to motherhood wasn't easy, as she had previously found it harder to adopt her poodle than her human child. This sentiment resonated with many of us who have gone through similar experiences.

As we ventured into the world of cat adoption, we were warned about the importance of making a good impression during the rescue process. 'Slim pickings in the cat department,' our shelter companion mentioned, setting us on the path to finding our new feline friend.

Our own experience with pet insurance was a valuable lesson learned too late. At 22, my wife and I had not considered such necessities when we brought home our first cat, whose decline over time led us to acknowledge that he had become more than just an animal - he was the 'glue' holding our marriage together.

This realization sparked a renewed sense of purpose in our writing careers. My wife's work has recently appeared in various literary journals and anthologies, including Subtropics, Pleiades, Gulf Coast, The Chattahoochee Review, Michigan Quarterly Review, Iron Horse Review, and The Florida Review. Her first novel, Horse Latitudes, was published by Dzanc Books in January 2019.

In the world of literature, there's a sense of continuity that binds us to our past. Just as old stacks of books leather tied together can evoke memories of our childhood reading experiences, so too do our stories and poems connect us to our shared human experience.

As we navigate the challenges of modern life, it's essential to hold onto these tangible connections to our past. For in doing so, we not only honor our heritage but also find inspiration for the future.

Old stacks of books leather tied