Poem - The Thrill of Books

Added 3/28/2012 - I've chosen to link up this post with the Alison & Ado's 1st Blogoversary Blog Bash because I feel this is one of my best pieces of poetry that I've shared so far, and I want to share it with everyone. I love having people read what I write, and I felt that this poem really captured a snapshot of the love I have for reading books.


I've always been a big reader. My mother can tell stories about how I would bring a stack of books for her to read to me when I was too young to read them on my own. That passion has never left me, although it has often shifted.

I spend most of my time reading classic literature or fantasy novels. I've always been a huge fan of the fantasy genre, dabbling at times into Science Fiction as well. I love the quest of the hero, the epic battles, the ultimate villains, and the idea that one person (or small group of people) can make a difference in the world.

I will admit I have a weakness for King Arthur literature. If I had a chance I would go back in time and join King Arthur's court. I'm always on the lookout for some great stories involving Arthur and the cast of characters surrounding him. One of my most recent reads was Gwenhwyfar by Mercedes Lackey. I read 90% of that book in one day because I simply could not put it down. It gets my highest recommendation to any interested in fantasy, King Arthur, or a great story.

I leave you today with a poem I wrote nearly two years ago. I hope you enjoy it.

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The Thrill of Books

When someone asks me why I read

I know not how to answer, I plead;

Not because I cannot place words to passion

But rather from a loss of where to begin.

Today I might find myself in another nation

During the heated crescendo of Revolution,

And tomorrow be in Rome, helping inspire

And expand the borders of an ancient empire.

Riding with knights in search of the Grail,

Sailing the seas to hunt for the White Whale,

Deductively discover clues with Sherlock Holmes;

All of this and more are contained in these tomes.

I can travel the world within eighty days

Or battle a minotaur within a maze,

Witness the beauty of Helen of Troy

Or recapture the magic I felt as a boy.

Become a warrior or witch, noble or serf,

Anything I want to experience here on Earth;

And if this planet has naught more to uncover

There are millions of others left to discover.

I can run like a cheetah, swim like a shark,

Fly like an owl and see in the dark.

No matter the time, whatever the day,

No matter the weather I can get away.

My books are an escape, a journey or quest,

A patient instructor who teaches me best;

One little object that can accomplish such deeds

That is my answer as to why I shall read.