Voyager

I am but an ordinary woman resting in my easy chair after a long day of work. However I am about to transform myself into a great explorer. I travel through the many realms of space and time all from the safety of home. My journeys cost me nothing but time spent in their enjoyment. I close my eyes tightly to contemplate whom I shall visit this night. Shall I sup with King Arthur and the knights of the table round as bards entertain, Or feast on nectar and ambrosia with Zeus and Hera on Mount Olympus? I could feel the angst of Cyrano’s unconfessed love for Lady Roxanne, Or that of souls from Poe’s pen with his mocking raven quote it “nevermore.” Choose to learn the life cycle of the bee, lion, or bear through a scientific work, Or fly through space on a star ship with the creator of a masterpiece of science fiction. I can recapture the whimsy of childhood while chasing cars with Clifford the big red dog, Or take a brisk run with Pooh and Tigger through the hundred-acre wood. I may celebrate glorious new beginnings with Mother Mary and Baby Jesus, This holy birth portrayed forever within our sacred Bible. I might also choose to contemplate death along with Caesar during his last moments. Only the playwright Shakespeare could portray these with such tragic effect. I may discover the secrets of gourmet recipes from master chefs, Or learn how to sew a patchwork quilt of old fashion. Vicariously visit the culture and religion of various peoples, Or study the history of my fellow Americans. Maybe I should check the financial reports to see how the stock market is doing, Or it might be pertinent to examine the latest advances in law. Let me discover the origins of favorite words in a volume of etymology, Or distinguish quartz from quartzite whilst leafing through a book of gemology. Books, yes volumes hold the secret keys to my voyage, It is they that conduct me each night worldwide exploring. I need not to plan ahead pack luggage or gather tickets, Fore when I wish to escape this world a book is always close at hand. I may travel safe and undisturbed through numerous times and places, And leap out of one adventure headlong into the next without moving a limb. When I am weary from the road or have chased enough beasts as warier fine, I simply mark my place, fold the pages together gently, and retire to sweet sleep.