July 02, 2001

Why read poetry?


Why read poetry?

Because here I am, stuck sitting still, indoors because I need to earn a living and because it’s way too bloody hot to go outside. And I need the fire in my blood and words are the shortest way to it. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I would bet my blood pressure goes up just reading Kipling’s best lines:

"Something hidden. Go and find it. Go and look behind the Ranges --
"Something lost behind the Ranges. Lost and waiting for you. Go!"

And if that doesn’t convince you, try this:

The Archer is wake!

The Swan is flying!

Gold against blue

An Arrow is lying.

There is hunting in heaven--

Sleep safe till tomorrow.

The Bears are abroad!

The Eagle is screaming!

Gold against blue

Their eyes are gleaming!

Sleep!

Sleep safe till tomorrow.

The Sisters lie

With their arms intertwining;

Gold against blue

Their hair is shining!

The Serpent writhes!

Orion is listening!

Gold against blue

His sword is glistening!

Sleep!

There is hunting in heaven--

Sleep safe till tomorrow.


Peace on Earth
by William Carlos Williams



Have you ever read anything so exciting?

Posted by dichroic at July 2, 2001 01:31 PM
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