Jack Sparrow stands on the shelf, looking out for a yard-long ship to suit his miniature 2-inch form. But I think he likes it better than being on my birthday cake.
The top shelf holds a series of books about owls that captivated me when I was younger. Next to it are some of my most beloved books: No Small Thing, I Am the Messenger, Old Magic, Chasing Redbird, The Lovely Bones, Freeze Tag and more beautiful works of fiction.
The 2nd highest shelf hold a mix of memories. There is a picture of a deceased cat curled up on the bed with a younger version of myself, a heart-shaped wooden bowl, and souvenirs from places I have and haven’t been. In another picture I stand with my siblings and one of those poor fellows who doesn’t get paid enough to wear a Captain Hook costume and strut around Disney like he likes it.
There is an entire shelf of books I have gathered from various places that all sit patiently; waiting to be read.
Then there is a notebook, that holds my own ideas, waiting to be written.