Renewal

My library book’s not nearly done;
I haven’t close to finished.
I’m deep into the story now,
My interest undiminished.

I tried renewing – they said no,
Somebody has reserved it.
That person’s gonna be let down,
Although she’d not deserved it.

For here’s my choice: to give it back
And never know the ending,
Or pay the fine and violate
The contract tied to lending.

I’ll pay a daily quarter,
Though my record it will spoil,
So I’ll be able to complete
The latest Roddy Doyle.

They used to give three weeks to read
And now it’s down to two;
When life is busy, time slips by –
There’s nothing I can do.

So future reader, please forgive –
Your book will be returned;
And meanwhile, patience is a virtue
Hopefully, you’ve learned.