the other day I started a new book
a used book, written by Stephen King
purchased online from a seller in Minneapolis I think

when I began reading, something curious fell out from between the pages
it was small, square-shaped, smooth
a white sealed envelope with the label “fruit punch” in black typeset
the only other markings indicated the contents were “kosher”
and users were to “add 8 oz of water”

I rubbed my thumb across this nondescript bookmark
flattened and smooth
presumably left by the book’s previous owner
a drink mix packet seemed a strange choice to tag the page where you left off reading

but it made me wonder about random items that have doubled for me as a bookmark
and what I might have forgotten
sandwiched in the pages of books dropped off at the Goodwill
or sold for a few dollars at the local bookseller

        used envelopes
                most likely with a grocery list jotted down on it
        Splenda packets
        napkins
        business cards
        receipts
        neon post-it notes

points of entry into my life at the time
        a pamphlet from Bryce Canyon during an RV trip a few summers ago
        random thoughts that occur to me in the car
                notes that may or may not have been jotted down on napkins as I lean against the                 steering wheel while driving
        paint sample cards from my most recent renovation project
        gum wrappers from one of the few times when I had chewing gum in my purse
        business card collected at a conference
                most likely for someone I never followed up with

inconsequential and significant at the same time
everyday artifacts that get the job done

in the Victorian era, it was customary to leave locks of hair in books
lovers would exchange tufts of their hair tucked between pages
        what a delightfully romantic thought

what if I were to intentionally leave something in the books I gave away?
        an intimate gesture to some distant stranger

generous words to the next reader
favorites quotes
notes about passages that I found meaningful

or

spoilers to warn readers about how the book ends
        “It’s the boyfriend!”
        “Don’t waste your time.”
        “Jack dies at the end.”

        That would be cruel
                but kind of funny

Maybe instead of mindlessly snagging and shoving something between the pages
of whatever book I am reading
I will use it as an opportunity to bring in something
            beautiful
            lovely
            expansive