The Book

23rd April, which is celebrated all over the world as World Book and Copyright Day, also happens to be the birth anniversary of William Shakespeare, one of the most famous authors of all time. But the day is not far when such a celebration would become redundant. Is it purely a coincidence that 23rd April also happens to be the day “The Bard of Avon” died?

Alone and forgotten, in a dusty bookshelf.

The twilight of my life, way past my prime.

Not much to do, I sit by myself,

Reminiscing about a happier time.

Much thought went in my creation,

Be it a story or an anthology.

Textbooks for exams, novels for vacation,

Of great men and women, their autobiography.

A wealth of knowledge I might have had to give,

But I failed to adapt to the changing times accordingly.

For this lapse of mine, I hope you’ll forgive.

I was no match for modern technology.

People and things today move at break-neck speed.

The world has become a whole lot busier.

Few have the patience to sit and read,

For a couple of hours, introspect and become wiser.

By cinema, television and now the internet,

My place was usurped repeatedly.

I guess on my career the sun has set,

It’s time to hang up my boots finally.

Having served in multiple ways several generations,

In the lives of many, I’ve played a part.

Memories galore, once man’s lifelong companion,

With tears in my eyes but happily, I shall now depart.