No matter how long, stressful, or tiring the day might have been: When I fall into bed and realize I can spare a few minutes, I open a book. Nothing brings me more joy than diving back into a great story. Isn’t it pure bliss to re-enter the room in which awesome friends have been patiently waiting for your return?
Among millions of others, American poet William Jay Smith agreed. A while ago, reader Sue shared a special little poem of his with me. Imprinted on a bookmark fashioned in 1982, needing no further comment or instruction, The Key reads as follows:
Open a book
and before long
you’re lost
on seas never crossed
in a dream ship
storm-tossed
that will bring you ashore
where no one’s yet been.
There through forests
of green
unknown wild words
you will follow
bluebirds
that lead you to where
in high magic air
you will find a gold door.
Turn the key in the lock,
cross a floor
never crossed.
On a gold table find,
by a lamp’s bedside beam,
a great golden book
in whose pages you will
find greater gold still,
world within world,
dream within dream.
Turn a page, have a look.
Get lost in a book.
