I am not embarrassed to say that I love to read poetry. In fact, there is nothing better than sitting in my reading chair, holding an old book, and reading a poem (sometimes out loud!) Certainly, there is that tactile feeling of seeing the words on print, while holding a small tome. I would like to give you a little bit of that feeling, though to be fair, you should go to the library or book store, and pick up some poetry. I try to write poetry now and then, but when I read stuff like this, I just settle back in the chair, and read some more. These are a few poems, or at least the first stanza of some poems, as they appeared in print.
My first book is “Impertinent Poems” by Edmund Vance Cooke, published in 1904.
It is a wonderful, yet cynical view of poetry. Here is the first stanza of the poem “Dead Men’s Dust”. (He makes you want to buy the book.)
The poem goes on to a remarkable ending…but you have to read it.
This next book has been important to me since high school. It is “Reflections on A Gift of Watermelon Pickle…” published in 1967.
This poem was read out loud in class by our college prep English teacher, Camille Taylor, my senior year at Zion High School. Her rendition made such an impact, that I bought the book that next weekend. Now when I read this poem, I can still picture her diction and vocal strength feeding me the words.
Ever since I was a child, I had this next book “Poems of Childhood” by Eugene Field, with illustrations by Maxfield Parrish, published 1922.
I can remember being a little scared of the dark. Here is the first stanza of a poem that rather well sums up that feeling. There is also a stark illustration by Maxfield Parrish about this poem in the book.
Can still give me the creeps.
When visiting a used book store in Waukegan long ago, this book called out to me, “One Hundred and One Famous Poems” Published by the Book Division of the Cable Company Reilly and Lee, Chicago, 1929. It is full of wonderful poetry.
This Poe poem is one I had to study in school. It forced me to learn words like onomatopoeia, alliteration, assonance. This poem through Poe’s words, changes one’s mood and life outlook dramatically within the four stanzas. While it is a good poem to quietly and silently read, it is best read out loud. This is the first stanza of a truly great Poe poem.
The poem changes tones, as do different types of bells, when the poem progresses. Everyone must read the poem.
I also enjoyed this small poem in “101 Famous Poems”, “Not in Vain” by Emily Dickinson.
Like Emily Dickinson, I wish to help. By keeping some of these poems, (and these old books) alive by discussing them, perhaps I too shall not live in vain. Poetry is good for one’s soul. It is digested so much better when taken from a book. I think that the words connect more when read from a book, than just on a computer screen. Whenever possible, read a book of poetry. If you simply must read from a computer, while not ideal, it is still preferable than not looking at all at a good poem.
Keep reading.
Librarytomes 