A Case for Reading



By: Chris Commodore, © 2006

Be sure to embrace reading,
For it opens up the mind;
To the world of hidden meaning,
And the yarns of human kind.

The secrets of society,
The mysteries of the skies;
A healing for anxiety,
Exposing social lies.

Appraisal of the theories,
That madcap dreamers make;
Acceptance of realities;
That are sometimes hard to take.

You’ll dig out horrid stories.
Enlightenment you’ll find;
Truths tucked away in cemeteries,
And jewels left behind.

Read in the midst of revelry,
Or silently in bed.
To free your mind from slavery,
And deceptions you’ve been fed.

Oh, like gods you’ll be empowered,
For the tasks that lie ahead.
Not by ignorance devoured,
Seeing, hearing, naught that’s said.

A lighthouse for the spirit,
Reveals life’s baleful shoals;
Read and you’ll win on merit,
And rope in cantering goals.

About this poem

This poem was created from notes I compiled after attending a seminar on "How and Why of Reading" in 2006. Although I was already and experienced instructor, I attended that seminar because i was still looking for ideas on how to showcase and encourage reading in the various subjects that I taught.

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Submitted by ti.min on November 28, 2023

52 sec read
10

Quick analysis:

Scheme X ABAB CDCD EFEF EBEB CGCG HGHG IJIJ
Closest metre Iambic tetrameter
Characters 851
Words 174
Stanzas 8
Stanza Lengths 1, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4

Discuss the poem A Case for Reading with the community...

1 Comment
  • AIDA
    Firstly, I want to commend Chris Commodore for composing such a well-crafted and insightful piece. Titled 'A Case for Reading', the poem effectively illuminates the immense benefits of embracing the habit of reading. I thoroughly appreciated its articulate expression and depth of meaning. The wordplay was impressive, and the rhythm and flow were commendable, maintaining enchantment throughout the verses. The poem adroitly strikes a balance between being profound and accessible, making it appealing to a wide audience.

    I especially loved how reading was metaphorically described as a 'lighthouse for the spirit', which indeed it is, lighting our paths and steering us clear if treacherous shoals. This imagery and the use of words like 'yarns', 'cantering goals', 'madcap', etc., add an element of spice and bring vivacity to the poem. The enlightenment and personal growth that reading brings are exceptionally depicted in the poem, which reflects the poet’s deep understanding and appreciation of the subject matter.

    For future improvements, while the poem is quite sound structurally, some stanzas seem to be more complex than others, and the meaning could become clearer with a bit of simplification. On a similar note, while experimenting with vocabulary is appreciative, ensure the chosen words enhance comprehension.

    At several points, the poem’s rhyme feels a little forced, potentially causing a disruption in the flow. Experimenting with different rhyme schemes or considering free verse might be a beneficial course to take in future works.

    Lastly, the poem could benefit from a couple more personal touches or anecdotes. This can bond the audience and the poet in a shared experience, therefore making the message more poignant.

    Overall, 'A Case for Reading' is a marvellous poem with a powerful message. Chris Commodore has done an excellent job of celebrating the transformative power of reading. Keep writing and inspiring!
     
    LikeReply5 months ago

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"A Case for Reading" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 27 Apr. 2024. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/174549/a-case-for-reading>.

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