April - Poetry Month - Day Twenty-Nine - Free Choice - Reading and Me

 

       Happy Poetry Month, where poems parade in the streets, run like rivers within our veins or settle in our hearts every.single,time. 

       I have been using this older book pictured left that follows the alphabet with one kind of prompt each day. I used this book on occasion in the classroom years ago, but never worked through it day by day, with deliberation! But now I've finished the alphabet and arrive at the final four days - free choice! ONE MORE DAY!

        Last week was Library Week. Last week more books in some areas were censored, taken from libraries, taken from schools. Often this happened from a complaint from one person, or only a few. I didn't have so much money to buy books when I was growing up. Libraries were my favorite places. In my early grade school days, I lived in a small town, and relied on the marvelous, wonderful, exciting visits from the Bookmobile! I couldn't have survived without it. From grandparents and parents and aunts and uncles, all readers, all read to me. I am sad to imagine what it might be like to have someone looking over my shoulder to see if they "approve" what book I'm reading. And, I moved to my home now eleven years ago. One thing that sold me on it was that the local library is only ONE block away. Now I work in a used bookstore (all-volunteer run) and with books and others surrounding me who love books, it seems like another 'best' place in the world.

Here's a 'glimpse' of one part of the store,
trade fiction.
There are hundreds more –
all topics, hardcover and softcover, a delightful place to be.

Bibliophile

Today I wanted to confess

that I have times of deep distress

deep down real unhappiness

when I have nothing to read.

I have gone to great extremes

often let out wild screams

to others I’m crazy (it often seems)

when I can’t find a book.

Just call me an unreformed bibliophile

My feelings of book-loving have never been mild

I’ve been known to read cereal boxes a while

When I can’t locate a book.

The changes that come over me

are wonderful for all to see

I think it’s terrific just to be

when I am reading a book.

                                   Linda Baie ©