Home » Poems » Geoffrey Brewer » Choosing a Book

Choosing a Book

CHOOSING A BOOK Every book in the profusion on our shelves Tells a story that invites us to engage Draws us with wonderment to turn the page But yet more, recounts some truths about ourselves Seeking new diversion for the darkening hour I surveyed the library for my selection Saw named categories - large and small confections And discerned the genres readers most devour Not of endless peace and love to lull the mind Nor of sweetness and of light the favoured theme Though we claim to yearn for heaven as our dream For the longest row of books was labelled: CRIME While we may deplore environments precarious They provide us with an endless fascination (In observing this I make no deprecation) We embrace them if not first hand then vicarious Thus let’s not choose total safety as our vice With an anaesthetic cloud the chosen medium That could be a state of unrelenting tedium Since the food of souls requires a dash of spice For the human spirit has a deep desire For adventure and a life that is replete With challenges and perils to defeat And become the hero that we would admire 3 May 2021

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem.

Please Login to post a comment

Gershon Wolf

Date: 5/3/2021 7:34:00 PM

You know, Geoffrey, I'd almost forgotten that the stories in books -- both fiction and non-fiction -- can (and perhaps should) be heroic! The media has dulled my mind to the possibility of heroism in today's Dark Age. Thanks!!! :) gw

Geoffrey Brewer
Date: 5/5/2021 7:13:00 AM

Let there be light! Thanks, Gershon (or Gershwin as spellchecker prefers - could be worse).

Geoffrey Brewer

Date: 5/3/2021 7:05:00 AM

Many thanks for your thoughtful comments; and in particular for pointing out the: ‘Enclosed Rhyme’ format. I hadn’t realised that it had a name; it just seemed to work - now corrected.

Gary Radice

Date: 5/3/2021 1:37:00 AM

Human nature eh Geoffrey? Perhaps we feel safe and happy when reading crime because we are not the victim? A case of schadenfreude perhaps? Perhaps we like to see perpetrators caught and like to feel empathy for the victim? I haven't a clue but your poem has certainly made me think. Thank you for the great read - and I really like the enclosed rhyme scheme. Cheers - Gary

Geoffrey Brewer
Date: 5/3/2021 7:06:00 AM

Many thanks for your thoughtful comments; and in particular for pointing out the: ‘Enclosed Rhyme’ format. I hadn’t realised that it had a name; it just seemed to work - now corrected.