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
*Pin image: Shutterstock
Such a lovely picture to go with the poem. It made me see the beauty of the book in hand and how deeply engrossed one can become as we flip the pages. Hugs Shailaja, I loved reading this too. 💖
Thank you, Jayanthy. Hugs. 😊
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!
I doubt your pace has slackened! You’re the reading queen! Thanks, Shilpa 🙂
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
Yes, yes, a thousand times yes.
Beautifully written, Shy.
Love!
That’s beautifully said. And yes I’m reading.
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!
Beautiful rhyme Shailaja! It captures the beauty of reading and the worlds we get lost in perfectly.
Thank you, Sanch 🙂
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.
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.
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.
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 🙂
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
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 🙂
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.
Thank you, Shilpa. You’re right. Books are manna from heaven 🙂
Love reading and everything about it.
Isn’t it amazing? What a simple hobby and so much joy.
A gorgeous reminder of one of life’s greatest pleasures.
Thank you, Orla 🙂