The Value of Old Books

There is value for some in old paper and ink

Especially when it's taken the form of a book

Though the value might not be what you think

So, perhaps we should both take a closer look

People become grandeur by reading the passages

But only with noble words containing wise meaning

Such ability to learn separates us from the savages

Though, not by much is the way I've been leaning.

The worth of a book can oft rely on the former owner,

This book telling the plots of every opera may be one

Though this book may only be read by some witless stoner

It was handed down from an old man to me, his grandson

Such an odd obsession and hobby my Grandfather had

For a man who spent his entire life in a small prairie town.

For any opera touring Redcliff would most likely be bad

And who would have had the proper dress suits or gowns?

And all those damn opera records he would occasionally play

(Sounding horrendous since they all came from the dump)

Did not make him popular by any known means or ways

In fact, he likely came off to others as an arrogant chump.

A few times while drunk he attempted to sing along

To arias he found among his record collection

Gramps could play mean guitar but could not sing a song

And this explains why he was often faced with rejection

So, I guess one day in the Hat in nineteen forty-nine

My Grandfather purchased this old book in some store.

It is an excellent reference book and not cheap at the time

Made more remarkable since all my ancestors were poor

Looking at the book's cover I see my grandfather's face

And others passed on, while hearing things they might say

I feel my self starting to travel through time and space

To end up in Redcliff and wishing once more I could stay

To stay where a dog and I roamed on wide open prairies

Returning to a home where fresh vegetables cooked.

A Redcliff of days past where nothing ever got scary

And that's pretty good value for one little old book