Poetry Friday: "Percy and Books"

I'm feeling exceptionally fond of Mary Oliver this week--so in honor of her, here's a favorite that never fails to make me smile, no matter how many times I've read it:

"Percy and Books"

by Mary Oliver

Percy does not like it when I read a book.

He puts his face over the top of it and moans.
He rolls his eyes, sometimes he sneezes.
The sun is up, he says, and the wind is down.

The tide is out and the neighbor's dogs are playing.

But Percy, I say. Ideas! The elegance of language!

The insights, the funniness, the beautiful stories

that rise and fall and turn into strength, or courage.

Books? says Percy. I ate one once, and it was enough.

Let's go.