Today, I hope you are reading.

I hope you are losing yourself

Between the pages of a book

With fingers that gently lift the edge

And turn it over to reveal

The treasures within.

 

I hope you are reading

With the infatuation of first love

With the passion of fiery romance

With the magic woven together

By ink, words, thoughts and sentiment.

 

I hope you are reading

Because it helps you shut out the noise

From the clicks on your mind

And the swipe on your phones.

 

I hope you are reading

Because it shows you what joy there can be

In the incredible loudness

Of silent text on a page.

 

I hope you are reading

For it reveals worlds yet unknown

It opens windows to realms

That you usually see

Only in your dreams.

 

I hope you are teaching your children to read

Quietly, loudly, uproariously and in ways

that make them forget their chores.

 

I hope you make time to read

Not because you should

But because it awakens

Your imagination in the manner

That no other medium ever can.

 

I hope you are reading

Words, paragraphs, essays and poetry

That tumble out of the writer’s head

To find their way into your heart.

 

And if you aren’t reading yet,

I hope that you begin reading, today.

For there is nothing better

Than losing yourself in a book

And finding yourself at the end of it.

© Shailaja Vishwanath, 2018

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22 thoughts on “I hope you are Reading”

  4. Yes, I am reading for all these reasons!! Though the pace has slackened a bit, but I will pick it up soon!
    This is a lovely write, Shailaja!

  5. Thank you Shy. I have to get back to reading. A passion that has somewhere dwindled amidst my phone dependence and blogging. Though the latter is something I do not complain about.
    It’s a pity but I haven’t read a single book this year. I’ve picked up one, The Man Called Ove, but yet to finish reading it.
    Your lyrical poem was written for me it seems. Thank you. 🙂 <3

  8. very apt lines for every book reader and also for those looking to start reading. There is indeed much joy and wonders to be discovered in the written world of books. You have managed to thread the very essence of reading in these lines – loved it!

  9. I love the fact that you are able to read on trains there 🙂 It’s a bit tough with the crowds in India, but on the days I manage to do that, it does feel incredibly calming 🙂 Thanks, Raj.

  12. I can so relate to that feeling of being lost in every page… Hanging on to every word. Since I read in trains, it’s surprising how a book that shut out all the noise the of the world and how the mind stars creating those vivid imageries from the book. Beautiful write Shailaja.

  13. That book is next on my TBR and on my purchase list for March. Limiting to two books a month on the Kindle else I’ll go broke 🙂 Reading is such sweet joy. I’m so glad to know so many readers like you 🙂

  14. I love knowing kids who read and please tell your youngest that I love Mansfield Park! I studied it for my A levels and loved it so! Thank you, Claire 🙂

  18. Oh yes, I love reading! Just finished Big Little Lies day before yesterday. Luckily, both the kids love reading as well. It adds so much to our lives when we read. An immense gift, a passion, something to cherish.

  19. Yes! always have at least one book on the go…plus a kindle & an audio!! Always loved reading and pleased to say my 3 all do too – but youngest is having to read Mansfield Park for school and she HATES it!! Makes me laugh that she gets so worked up by the writing and the characters. Fab poem about my favourite past time xxx

  20. This was simply gorgeous, Shy! How lucky I am to be a book lover! For all the stress Life brings at every turn, it’s just books that help us forget it all and enjoy a few moments of respite.

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