I love how books begin; those passages
that lead us by the hand across
the luxurious lawns, that portage us
gently up the gravel drive,
toward the manor house.
The author is still a kind host here,
anxious that we mingle
with the other weekend guests, that we note
how even the banisters are polished for us,
that we feel free to walk out
with the lady of the house and smoke
a cigarette, down the grand alley of elms.
We’re not expected to have things down pat
yet, like the family tree, or the route to the old Abbey.
Nothing really happens now,
beyond the delivery of the breakfast trays.
It’s not scheduled to rain.
for two more chapters, and no one
who matters to us has died yet.
Chapter One by Mark Aiello from 180 More: Extraordinary Poems for Every Day
I’ve spent most of the weekend cleaning and putting things aside from my upcoming trip, and I am still trying to finalize my reading lists for the reading challenges I’m planning to join so bear with me a bit more while I make up my mind. I tell you though, it has been tons of fun going through my stacks and stacks of unread books while I look for the perfect books.
What a fun poem. That makes me think I should revisit some of my poetry books this week.
I’m getting my book lists together, too. It seems that a lot of challenges have sprung up lately. Good luck!
Have fun choosing those books!
I really enjoyed that poem. And it’s always fun to pick books out for a trip!
Love the poem! Your trip is just around the corner….YAY!
Love the poem! Have fun picking out books for the trip. And organizing what you will read for the next challenges–I’m doing that, too.
Ooo what challenges are you joining?
Isn’t it fun? I love shuffling books around and reading blurbs.
aka Nik – I can’t wait to see your lists. How many challenges are you going to do?
Dorothy W. – I couldn’t even get to sleep last night because I was so excited about making booklists! Talk about Bookmania 🙂
Alisia – I love choosing books for a trip. I like to have a good variety in case one ends up being sucky.
Christine – I know, I can’t wait!
Gentle Reader – I think I finally have my choices so I’ll post them tonight.
Jodie – Ooh, just wait 🙂 I’m joining three and I’ll post on those tonight.
Andi – It’s also a bit dangerous, some books stacks were about to topple over me. ha,ha…
Wow! That was a great poem. I’m going to send it to my writing partner. Thanks!
What a wonderful poem. Your poetry choices have been such a joy. I’ve put that book on my wishlist thanks to you!
I absolutely love that poem. Thanks for posting it.OH! I just realized! It’s Poetry Train Monday! I forgot.
I’m making a list of everything on TBR Mountain so that from now on, I can join challenges without just randomly picking stuff and ending up with MORE on TBR Mountain. Looks like you’re ahead of me on that!
Thank you for sharing this poem.
Such a lovely poem. So aptly said how so many of us feel about the beginning pages of a book.
I’m going through my stack for vacation readings as well…try to bear in mind all the ongoing challenges and a couple more I’m thinking about joining.
I’ve set aside The Inheritance of Loss. Got a couple travel essays books as well that will count toward the Armchair Traveler stunt. 🙂
Love the poem! Waiting for the latest list!
Kate Diamond – Thank you for stopping by and so glad you enjoyed the poem.
Patricia – I love those Poetry 180 collections. I always find such wonderful poems in those. Glad you enjoyed it as well.
Dew – That’s my requirement for joining challenges. All books must come from my stacks so I can at least make a dent in them!
Tara – Glad you liked it.
Booklogged – I know isn’t it perfect?
Matt – That’s what I’m trying to do, take books for the challenges and maybe that way I can actually get ahead. Looking forward to what you think of Inheritance of Loss.
Jenclair – I am posting that one tonight 🙂