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Bookish Menagerie: A Time Traveler's Library

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I penned 'Bookish Menagerie' as a heartfelt homage to the profound influence literature has had on my own journey through life. My poem is a reflection of my deep appreciation for the power of storytelling, capturing the essence of various life stages through the lens of cherished books and literary experiences. Each section is a testament to the evolving forms of life and the transformative impact that reading has on shaping our perspectives. As I crafted this poem, my intention was to interweave a plethora of emotions, memories, and the timeless magic found within the pages of books. It's a personal narrative, a celebration of the stories that have left an indelible ink on my soul. 

- Enjoy, Daniel

 

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Toddlers' Exploration: Cardboard drum, a thunderous beast, Playful roars in tiny fists and feasts. Fleeting wings glide, dreams just out of reach, Soaring through tales of barnyard Waddles and Squeaks, Moo! Quack! Giggles tumble and bump. Flaps flapping, bright colors peek, "Brown Bear, Brown Bear," what do you seek? Mama's voice, a gentle hum, Sleepy fireflies, bedtime comes. "Will tomorrow bring new stories to explore?" Brown Bear sleeps, and dreams take flight, Goodnight kisses, fireflies alight, Goodnight sky, and goodnight moon, Sleep tight, little one, morning comes too soon. Busy fingers, page turn slow, Hungry caterpillar munches, "Oh!" "Nigh, night" as words subside, eyes blinking, soft snow…. Preschool Pranks: Squiggly letters climb each page, Counting fingers, one by one, a stage. Pop-up jungles tigers pounce and roar, "Hungry Caterpillar" munches more. Secrets of growth and change, A metamorphosis mirrored in laughter. Yet amidst the giggles, a furrowed brow murmurs, "Will these clumsy scribbles be veggie tales or burgers?" Fluffy chicks cheep, choo-choo train, Rainbow puddles in the rain. Stories loved, tucked snug and tight, Seeking eyes catch a firelight. Cardboard crowns crown crayon kings, Jungles dance with Kipling's ink-stained wings. Tiny hands sculpt Max's moonlit flight, Stained-glass sails pierce starlit night. Fluffy chicks chirp, "Corduroy so near," Sunbeam kisses chase away all fear. Puddles splash, bare feet in laughter race, Grumpy Bird's frown melts in the warm sun's face. Sleepy eyes catch moonbeam's silver gleam, Where stories slumber, Austen's wit in pastel stream. Pencil sings, alphabets take hold, Tiny fingers yearn as learnings crawl. Firelight dances, shadows sway, Fading smiles drift off to a land far and away. First Flight of Fancy: In Charlotte's web, moonlit anxieties cling, spun with thoughts of loss and loyalty. But fireflies dance defiance, igniting sparks of hope against encroaching shadows. Lost boys venture through dandelion clocks, their laughter a flowering fluff that rocks. Maps unfurl, pirate sails unfold, adventures inked in stories bold. Madeline's Parisian twirls, a sugarplum dance in storybook swirls. Jokes like bubbles, light and bright, pop in dreams that chase the night. Wishes, wings that stitch our fragile seams, lifting us to opal moonlit streams, Where dragons guard with scales of dawn, their embers mirrored in our hearts, long after pages softly, turn…yawn… Middle Graders' Maze: Hallway echoes locker slam, "Westing Game" laments, "Lunch money scam?" DC, Marvel, cartoon comics fill the attic's hold, Nancy, Bif, and Joe trace secrets, brave and bold. Girl power ignites through shadows. Voices fade, stars paint the night sky, Towers reach, dreams shout, "Truth never dies." United hearts find the answer's key. Braces tighten, whispers shift, cliques bloom and fade, Growing hunger pains noted on locker doors, dreams unafraid. Childhood tales hush, myths morph anew. Adolescence takes flight, ready for, "Catcher's rye" and battles under a... Sunlit, moon-dripped, darkened sky… Young Adults' Crossroads: Veronica Sawyer, scrunchies fly askew, Navigates social jungles, blue and true. Gossip’s wildfire, secrets intertwine, "Heathers" blooms with dark humor's vine. Choices tangle, futures gleam, "The Joy Luck Club" mends a shattered dream. Diversity's voices sing so strong, Carrying wings where they belong. Holden Caulfield, angst abrew, Flicks ash, "Phonies? Me? It's true, true, true!" Rye fields hiding secrets in the breeze, "Catcher's" wisdom mends cracked knees. First loves fizzle, hearts in Shelley's disarray, College essays loom, menagerie deadlines at bay. Dreams clash, 1984 futures twist and turn, "Aristotle and Dante Dive In," so stern. Thirty-Plus Horizons: Sun-kissed pages, embers glow, "Eat, Pray, Love" paints where wild winds blow. Spice-laced prose, soul takes flight, Himalayan trails in the morning light. Recipes hum, laughter spills, Knowledge wings on moonlit sills. Sacred scripture’s stories as wisdom guides, Enriching minds and opening eyes. For the strong and the meek, dreams take flight, Books, a boundless journey in the starry starry night. Ink-laden characters, a soul's ever-changing mood, Where dragons rise and Heathcliff's passion swoons. Mirrors of worlds, refracted truths we hold, Jane's fire in embers, King's fear unfolds. And though time rewinds, chapters turn anew, The lessons learned still waters, ever so, so true… The Midnight Library down Where the Crawdads Sing ... We turn the final page, not just on a riveting book, but on a chapter of our own story. Within the alchemist's fire, where ink ignites our desire, we've glimpsed worlds unseen, lived a thousand lives, and danced on the precipice of our own becoming. Books are but embers, sparkling sparks within to illuminate hidden pathways. They build courage through Scout Finch's eyes, unravel mysteries with Holmes' keen gaze, and paint hope with Gatsby's loving heart. Each turn of the page, a promised promise, a secret shared, a universe unfurled, a great expectation. Where Austen's wit sharpens your quill, Twain's laughter mends your spirit, Bronte’s passion explore your venturing cries. For in the boundless universe of stories, existentially through time, lies the echo of your own tale waiting to be told. So, uncage your spirit, uncork your voice, unfurl your passion, and declutter your soul, where virtuous wisdom finds its gifted tongue, in life's endless poem, written on heavens' grand ancient scrolls.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2024




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Date: 1/30/2024 5:22:00 AM
Amazing write … enjoyed reading it .
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Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/2/2024 12:19:00 PM
Thank you so much my friend for commenting on the poem and your kind words. - Blessings, Daniel
Date: 1/29/2024 11:49:00 PM
This is absolutely outstanding dear Daniel. You are such a captivating, amazing talented writer. What a wonderful journey you have taken the reader on - travelled through many pages of a literacy world filled with wonder. So much resonates here with me as it will with so many others fortunate to read this gem. I love the different sections from brown bear, hungry caterpillar right the way through life to the classics. You have listed all my hereo’s - Dickens, Austen, Brontë.
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Christina Bowring
Date: 1/29/2024 11:51:00 PM
Have you read much Thomas Hardy - my absolute hero? This was such a delightful joy to read and appreciated too from your highly skilled pen. Sorry it’s belated- but many congratulations on POTD. So well deserved. Blessings to you.
Date: 1/29/2024 4:08:00 PM
Back with heartfelt, belated congrats on your POTD, dear Daniel. When I first read this, I felt it deserved to be recognized.
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Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 1/29/2024 4:33:00 PM
Good Evening, Sotto for you kind words. I really appreciate it. Blessings, Daniel!
Date: 1/28/2024 10:41:00 AM
Dream come true! Indeed this is a POTD! Congratulations!
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Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 1/28/2024 2:20:00 PM
Ahh, thanks so much Kim, the real reward is sharing our poems with each other. Have a blessed week my friend. - Blessings, Daniel.
Date: 1/27/2024 8:35:00 PM
What an epic, Daniel! Simply marvelous... And I see it earned POTD --- deservedly. Congrats, Gerhson
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Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 1/28/2024 2:18:00 PM
Good Evening, Gershon, thanks for reading my poem and posting to it. It is very appreciated. Have a great week my friend. - Blessings, Daniel
Date: 1/27/2024 2:45:00 PM
Belated congratulations on POTD, Daniel. Your captivating poem took me on a journey filled with magic and wonder. A magnificent work, and a fave for me. :)
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Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 1/28/2024 2:17:00 PM
Good Evening, Evelyn and thanks for your sweet words of encouragement. It is a high honor that you chose as a fave. Have a blessed week! - Blessings, Daniel
Date: 1/27/2024 10:14:00 AM
Daniel, this is quite a brilliant write. You kept me totally engaged throughout. What a great write and journey you've taken us on. Belated Congratulations on POTD! Well deserved, my friend. Charlie
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Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 1/27/2024 10:22:00 AM
Good Afternoon, Charles, thank you so much for your kind compliments and it wonderful being apart of this family of poets. Have a great weekend, my Friend! - Blessings, Daniel
Date: 1/27/2024 9:10:00 AM
Daniel, I must have been off visiting Venus when you posted this extraordinary creation centered around the literary influences in your life. I ask forgiveness, and I offer congratulations for it being chosen as poem of the day. Traveling with you through the timeline of your life brought many similar memories from my past. I thank you for opening a window to your readers through which we could glimpse more of you.
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Lin Lane
Date: 1/27/2024 10:03:00 AM
I think I caught at least most of them. Some books can never be forgotten even if their titles slip from memory, their lines are etched in us somewhere.
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Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 1/27/2024 9:17:00 AM
Ahh, Lin you are the best and no forgiveness is needed because you are a wonderful friend. I loved your affirming comments and it was nice reading your words. It is funny that so many books could have made it in here but I used a lot of genre lines and words covering those not listed. It was a challenge. Have a Blessed weekend, my Friend! - Daniel
Date: 1/27/2024 7:11:00 AM
Hi Daniel: I like the arrangement of this specific this piece. It takes reader through a specific time in different places. I could feel the tension and the emotion in the various setting of each poem, sometimes it feels like monumental s song. The juxtaposition of each verse leaves you with a comforting vibe that make you want to break-down and cry and yet it is your words that resonate so deep that make your voice complete. Keep writing my dear you have much to share.
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Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 1/27/2024 8:45:00 AM
Good Morning, Christine, you lifted me up this morning and made me smile. What a wonderful compliment and so heart felt. It brought some tears to my eyes writing it because there are so many memories as a child, a father, and now a grandfather. In all cases I love reading either for my own enjoyment for my children and children’s children. - Blessings, my dear Friend, - Daniel
Date: 1/27/2024 12:56:00 AM
Daniel, I loved reading your poem again and again, it was that good. Great imagery and flow of emotions.
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Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 1/27/2024 8:40:00 AM
Good Morning, MB, thank you for your affirming cooments. I think one of the greatest compliments a poet can get is when someone reads it more than once. Blessings, my Friend, - Daniel
Date: 1/26/2024 8:31:00 PM
Back with Congratulations on your POTD, Daniel! Enjoy your special day of recognition, my friend. Bill
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Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 1/27/2024 8:38:00 AM
Thank You, Bill! I very much appreciate your friendship. Have a great weekend. - Blessings, Daniel
Date: 1/26/2024 7:05:00 PM
Dear Daniel, while tracing these words, my fingers wanted to turn to the next page. Such an amazing journey you've taken me on. I really like this thought: ' uncage your spirit, uncork your voice, unfurl your passion, and declutter your soul. ' Sooooo true. Congratulations my dear friend, on Poem of the Day. My best to you. :) Hugs, Brandy
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Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 1/26/2024 7:13:00 PM
Dear, Brandy, Your note was the sweetest serenade to my poem, warming my soul even more than the "Poem of the Day" accolade. To know that my words not only reached your eyes but danced across your fingertips, yearning for the next verse, fills me with immense joy. May your own spirit soar, voice ring true, passion ignite, and soul find endless clarity. With heartfelt affection, Daniel
Date: 1/26/2024 7:02:00 PM
Congratulations on POTD. It is a really intensive narrative that deserves this award.
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Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 1/26/2024 7:08:00 PM
Hello Hilda, thank you for taking the time to engage with the poem and commenting. It blesses my heart! - blessings, Daniel!
Date: 1/26/2024 6:47:00 PM
It's a real joy to read this ode. The way you present this also reinforces the speed through which we travel through life, and any help we can get from others through the written word gives us all hope. Your poem makes me appreciate my own experiences as it is such a positive presentation of fond guidance and fantasy. You made me smile today, sir!
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Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 1/26/2024 7:06:00 PM
Good evening, Duke, I appreciate your affirming words and it such a great compliment to know that you reflected on your own experiences. Thank, you my friend and have a great weekend. - Blessings, Daniel!
Date: 1/26/2024 6:35:00 PM
The story captivates and is an epic presentation. It is a life narrative with many identifiable words and thoughts to fulfill the avid reader. Congratulations Z
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Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 1/26/2024 7:03:00 PM
Good evening, Robert, thank you for your kind words and taking the time to comment. I appreciate your thoughts and sentiments. - Blessings, Daniel
Date: 1/26/2024 12:42:00 PM
Just back to congratulate you on POTD.. An excellent choice..
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Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 1/26/2024 4:27:00 PM
Dear Silent One, I am so thankful and honored by your words. I love reading your poems and look forward to them. They enrich my life and are very contemplative. Thanks for all your support and affirmations, and friendship. Have a great weekend. - Blessings, Daniel
Date: 1/26/2024 12:35:00 PM
Stunning piece Daniel. Congratulations on the POTD. This is another dimension. Very well deserved, for sure. Have a good afternoon!
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Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 1/26/2024 4:24:00 PM
Good Evening, Maria, Thank You, I am honored by your sweet comments and kindness. I hope you have a great weekend. Blessings, Daniel
Date: 1/26/2024 12:14:00 PM
This is quite epic Daniel and so worthy of POTD. And the fact that it's a long poem makes it even better. From our first early reader to the last book before we pass on, reading enriches our lives. Poetry elevates
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Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 1/26/2024 4:22:00 PM
Hello Tom, thank you so much my friend. I never thought a long poem would be so appealing to many readers let alone POTD. It is a blessing to have such a wonderful community of poets. I do love reading and usually devour them quickly except if it is a Russian author. LOL! Blessings, Daniel
Date: 1/26/2024 12:03:00 PM
BIG congrats on POTD, Daniel. Well deserving of the accolades you have received for this tremendous piece.
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Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 1/26/2024 4:18:00 PM
Good Evening, Vijaya, thank you my friend for your kind words. It is a joy just to be part of this community. Blessings, Daniel
Date: 1/26/2024 10:22:00 AM
Daniel, l am not surprised at all to see your name up here!! Your depiction of the different stages in life is utterly amazing and extremely clever! You have quite the following on Poetry Soup and the reason why is evident!! Congratulations on POTD ….l am truly happy for you! Debx
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Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 1/26/2024 4:16:00 PM
Good Evening, Debx, you made my evening, thank you. Because I love to read it has allowed me to read and comment on many peoples poems and love seeing so much talented poets such as yourself. That it in itself is rewarding to me. - Blessings, Daniel
Date: 1/26/2024 9:07:00 AM
A Menagerie of enticing literary diversity. I frequent Barnes & Noble's. I just ordered R.G.'s (a poet here on the soup) book "Doggy Limerick Circus" when it arrives, I'll write a review. Regularly; I enjoy the laid-back ambiance and beautiful books! At the library all summer long, not just for the AC lol. Congratulations on POTD Daniel Rogers! Excellent work.
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Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 1/26/2024 4:12:00 PM
Good Evening, Anaya, thank you for your affirmations. I love going into Barnes and Noble and just hanging out. I like to pursue, evaluate my next reads, and just being there. The same with the library. We have similar feelings about how they make us feel. - Blessings, Daniel
Date: 1/26/2024 8:02:00 AM
This is just too, too precious Daniel. Each word, each stanza, each step of the journey brilliantly depicted. Congratulations on a the honor of a well-deserved POTD! :)
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Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 1/26/2024 4:07:00 PM
Good Evening, Linda, thank you my friend. I read a lot of the popular children books to my young granddaughters so I pretty up on their current books that I put into the early part of the poem. Some like Good Night Moon have been around for a long time. Happy Book Reading - Blessings, Daniel
Date: 1/26/2024 7:51:00 AM
Congratulations on your POTD win. Each age in life is so different. You could turn this into a wonderful book. Have a blessed day writing away..................
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Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 1/26/2024 4:03:00 PM
Good Evening, Paula, thank you for your sweet sentiments. I have 3 granddaughters and the oldest is 3 and I would like to read the younger cute parts of the poem to them and see how they react. Blessings, my friend! - Daniel
Date: 1/26/2024 7:47:00 AM
Excellent. Congratulations for POTD. The ending of this is very inspiring too. :)
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Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 1/26/2024 4:00:00 PM
Thank you, Heidi, I feel like I made so many friends who are so supportive of each other. Thanks again and have a great weekend. Blessings, Daniel
Date: 1/26/2024 7:08:00 AM
I can see why this received POTD. I enjoyed the transitions and how you orchestrated each stage. A piece to be proud of. Blessings Richard.
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Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 1/26/2024 3:58:00 PM
Good Evening, Richard, thank you for your validating comments. It is an honor to be POTD but a greater honor having friends who share their poems and conversing. Blessings, Daniel
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