Wednesday, 06 April 2022
A poem for the 26th annual American National Poetry Month
Ode to Libraries
As ancient as recorded time
temples of books, words,
language, knowledge, collections;
hubs of reflection and wellbeing
for so many in this fractured,
fragmented world of ours.
Libraries, like churches, are places of
sanctuary, of escape, a temporary diversion
from the stresses of daily life;
they offer warmth, humanity, shelter
from the rain. Free books and respite;
a place to bide a short time are luxuries
not only for the poor and the homeless,
but for others too. Libraries are the
lifeblood of communities; like second
homes for those with no other means
to gain an education that extends beyond
the basics of reading and writing. Books
open doors into other worlds; they show you
distant distinations, bring you nature beyond
your own home. They are portals to fantasy,
science, even the moon. Beautiful to touch,
to hold, books contain riches no other medium
can. Gold, silk or ivory bring none of the
glories of books. They are never unkind.
My life, for sure, would be less precious
without the presence of books in libraries.
© Carola Huttmann, 06 April 2022
