Never More

Add the finished book to the shelf,
The worn pink t-shirt to the pile,
The old joke to the clichéd list,
The name and number to the file.

The purpose served: I was enlightened,
Kept warm and comfortable in the cold,
Kept amused and happy, briefly,
Kept text-mementos of this story told.

Read pages, chapters, epilogue,
Played costumed actor to the world,
Played jester in this tragic farce,
Played final message-game with this girl.