Ode to the Card Catalog

Oh, wooden home to index cards

Standing strong like sentry guards.

Nine spaces for the first indent,

How many hours have I spent?

Not just one card; at least two more.

So many subjects! What a chore!

The typewriter is skipping “e’s”

Despite the fact there’s all new keys.

And then the card slips just a bit;

I move it up and make it fit.

I grab the “white out” on my desk

And try to cover up the mess.

Ant then the “stick thing” in the drawer

Gets stuck when pulling through the door.

I wonder how I’ll make it through

With each and every book that’s new?

Perhaps one day I’ll reminisce

On all these hours I have spent.

But as for now I soldier through

Creating cards for all that’s new.

From Must Be Nice! Poems Only School Librarians Will Understand