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?