It’s been a big week for me – with the release of a new book, the anniversary (bookiversary) of the release of another, and the news that the latter book, Roses are Blue,  has also been short-listed in the Speech Pathology Book of the Year Awards.

As a result, when I wondered what I could post for Poetry Friday today I got thinking about poems about books. I think my favourite is from Emily Dickinson:

There is no frigate like a book
To take us lands away,
Nor any coursers like a page
Of prancing poetry.
This traverse may the poorest take
Without oppress of toll;
How frugal is the chariot
That bears a human soul!

The metaphors of a book as a boat, a horse, a chariot taking the reader on great adventures are so apt. I also love that she points out that books offer an affordable and accessible experience, yet at the same time  that books are so important that the bear the human soul. Beautiful.

Another favourite is  Dylan Thomas‘ Notes on the Art of Poetry:

I could never have dreamt that there were such goings-on
in the world between the covers of books,
such sandstorms and ice blasts of words,,,
such staggering peace, such enormous laughter,
such and so many blinding bright lights,, ,
splashing all over the pages
in a million bits and pieces
all of which were words, words, words,
and each of which were alive forever
in its own delight and glory and oddity and light.

Wow! What magical use of words, words, words to remind us how immense can be the impact of a good book.

Books are my life. Many of my earliest memories are connected with sharing books with my mum, and now I make my living from writing and reading. How lucky am I!

Poetry Friday this week is hosted at Mainley Write. Head over there to see a round up of lots of poetry posts around the blogosphere.

Have a great Friday.