I have loved to celebrate Poem In Your Pocket Day with my class in years past. I taught the children how to make an origami pocket, into which they would place a favorite poem, and off we would go to the school’s reading garden to share them with one another.
This year, my mother had a poem she wished to share. And so, we copied it, rolled it, and tied it in a ribbon for Spring. She brought these poems to our friends at Book Club yesterday, in early celebration of Poem in Your Pocket Day today. (Now the women are prepared to celebrate, too.)
I have to share the poem she chose because it is just delightful, for bibliophiles in particular:
I Opened a Book
I opened a book and in I strode,
now no one can find me.
I’ve left my chair, my house, my road,
my town, and my world behind me.
I’m wearing the cloak, I’ve slipped on the ring,
I’ve swallowed the magic potion.
I’ve fought with a dragon, dined with a king,
and dived in a bottomless ocean.
I opened a book and made some friends,
I shared their tears and laughter
and followed their road with its bumps and bends
to the happily ever after.
I finished my book and out I came,
the cloak can no longer hide me.
My chair and my house are just the same,
but I have a book inside me.
~Julia Donaldson
Happy Poem in Your Pocket Day! Be sure to share one with someone today.
Hi, generally I don’t like poems, but I think this is a nice one, not to difficult to understand. Greetings, Erik
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I don’t generally like poems, either, except for the funny ones by Jack Prelutsky I would read my son when he was a child. I enjoy a good haiku, as well, but often poems leave me wondering just what exactly they are trying to say. This is a fun one, though, which so many bookish people can relate to. Thanks for visiting!
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Loved this one! Your precious mother has good taste.
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Love it! I’ve not heard of poem in your pocket day, what a great idea.
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What a good idea, and what a wonderful poem.
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Bellezza, I love this idea, and this poem! And the photo is lovely, too!
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I adore this poem and will read it to my book group at our next gathering. I missed Poem In Your Pocket Day, but will mark it on my calendar for 2020! I’ve been reading a little bit of poetry this month (for National Poetry Month) and have found a few by Mary Oliver that I can appreciate. I’m not a huge fan of poetry, but I try. I think it’s an acquired taste. Sort of like mussels and clams. 😉
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Too sweet. I was fortunate enough to have poetry memorization required of me in elementary school. Just last week I was reminded of a 7th grade poem in response to some artwork featured in our Calvary Church art fair. The art work sparked the poetry and the poem enhanced the art experience.
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M, I love this poem your mother picked 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing it with us. Happy Easter to you and your loved ones! x
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