The Bod Card

“I hereby undertake not to remove from the Library, or to mark, deface, or injure in any way, any volume, document, or other object belonging to it or in its custody; nor to bring into the Library or kindle therein any fire or flame, and not to smoke in the Library; and I promise to obey all rules of the Library.” Thus did I solemnly swear at dusk two nights past. Walls of darkest wood gleamed in the low light as we students stood in pew like stalls at the hour when the sky pearls with starlight. Shadows loomed large in dusty corners, and pooled like flocks of black minnows in the myriad panes of the high, cut-glass windows. I held up my hand before a long faced man in academic robes and swore I would protect the books of the Bodleian Library of Oxford. In return, I was handed what is probably the best library card I'll ever own, my "Bod card," which gives me access to just about any book you can imagine. Thus was I made a scholar in good standing with the university. Thus did my studies in Oxford begin. Thus was I tickled pink.

More to come...