X-Libris

Talis Kimberley

X Libris

Words and music by & © Talis Kimberley 2.3.1997
Using material largely supplied by David Morris.
Used by permission of the author

I was sitting in the library alone this afternoon
When I cast my eye along a row of books
And a most attractive volume caught my gaze and held it firm
So I thought I'd take it out to have a look
But as I reached out to touch it, and before I'd gotten near
A voice like none I'd ever heard said softly in my ear:

"You should know I'm not an easy read,
You're gonna have to take your time with me, 'cos
I've been read by other men before
And they all left their bookmarks in me - don't you want to
Run your fingers up and down my spine
You show me your chapter headings, I'll show you mine, I want to
Share your pillow, and be there when you wake:
Come on, baby, turn my pages..."

I'm not easily astonished but I was a little shocked
By the turn this conversation quickly took
I'm as broad-minded as most men, but this was something new
I was being propositioned by a book
She was dressed in clinging vellum, she had title, she had poise
She's the kind of First Edition sorts the men out from the boys, and she said:

"You should know I'm not an easy read
You're gonna have to take your time with me, 'cos
I've been read by other men before
And they all left their bookmarks in me - don't you want to
Run your fingers up and down my spine
You show me your chapter headings, I'll show you mine, I want to
Share your pillow, and be there when you wake:
Come on, baby, turn my pages...

I'd let you read my dedication, you could see my illustration
I'm no pocket paperback, no throwaway edition
We could spend some time together, would you like me bound in leather?
Tell me what's your favourite - reading position, and oh -

I really like it when my binding's tight
I promise you I'm better read by candlelight - and won't you
Make me last, don't be in a hurry to end
Come on, baby turn my pages
I long to feel your hands upon my skin
Start at the beginning, honey, work your way in, you know that
You can take me anywhere you choose
Come on, baby, turn my pages
Come on, baby, turn my pages..."

("If you want me... just riffle. You know how to riffle, don't you? You just lick your finger and flick....")