Of Pages and Penseives

It’s more or less the same every evening; the front seat, the pencil, Paulo and me. When I’m not reading, I look ahead at the world rushing at me head on, pondering on what Paulo Coelho and I have just exchanged through his book, “Like the Flowing River”.

He feels that every book must be allowed its journey. Reminds me of an American artist cum advocate I’d once made friends with. I’d lent her a book by an obscure Indian writer - with every intention of taking it back. As Murphy would have it, I couldn’t.

Parting with a friend’s gift had been painful. But looking back, this book had embarked on a journey its siblings had probably never managed. It would now be in the hands of established artists as against an engineer who could draw perfect circles in Paint Brush.

I nod in agreement with Paulo and add, in pencil that books are like memories we carry in our penseives*. Some make it to the paperwala*, some to the garage and others to old cartons in the store room. A few decorate the shelf until they move to the other locations.

But where is that book you loved the most? In the hands of a person who might appreciate it as much – with or without your sign on it. The book travels – because it decides to; it deserves the honor. Some day though, it might fall into your hands again – a new relationship, a new journey…

I walk back home, lost in thought. And only when I reach into my bag I realize that Paulo has decided to travel. I chuckle fondly and wish him luck, reaching for “Veronica Decides to Die”. Now why would she do that...


*Penseive: Harry Potter lingo: A basin steaming with swirling white mist. Used to move excess thoughts/memories from one's mind by leading them into the penseive with your wand. Harry Potter fans might like to correct me if I'm wrong!

*Paperwala: A guy who pays you in return for used newspapers, magazines and other stuff made of paper. The heavier the book (as in C++, Computer Architecture), the greater your profit ;) Some variations also collect plastic and glass items.