Cover

We all do it
we judge
a book
by its cover

And while we're shamed not to
really, we're not wrong
there's a lot to gain
from a brief glance

The cover provides us with
an announcement of existence
an advertisement of availability
a warning of contents — reader beware
a welcoming of eyes — linger longer
a call to action: Have me! Care about me!

We would do well
to lean into our instincts
assess visuals and wordplay
embossing and colorways

those superficial
attributes add up
into substance
into meaning

Bright bold red
Dark stormy blue
Muted vacant grey
Perky pretty pink

Be it book or person
what's primped
on the surface
reflects what's inside

Scrolly curly cursive
Boxy block print
Times New Roman
Subtle sans serif

What beckons
from bookshelves
or barstools
the logic is the same

What font is your face in?
What colors flush your cheeks?
What do the flash
of your teeth telegraph?

It's all there in the open
to be interpreted
absorbed and enjoyed
What does your cover convey?