Dear To Kill a Mockingbird,

I've held you before

breathed on your insides

and bent your corners.

But you were assigned and I was too young;

busy caring less.

My hands were fumbly and you were too delicate,

your words crumbled at my fingertips.

I'm sorry, it should have been grand.

Should have been.

And yet, you gave me a second chance

and this time it was different.

As I turned your pages, I felt steady and you stayed solid.

I cared more.

When your back met your cover in my hands I squeezed

and I felt you squeeze back.

I've been filled.

Filled with characters you made my friends,

the tug of Youth,

the love of innocence,

and the beauty of Life.

Now, I can place you deservingly on the top shelf of my mental bookcase

and say simply this,

Thank you for the second chance, it was Grand.

With Love,

Kelsey