reading poetry

I've been devouring the public library book selection much like I devour a Thanksgiving feast: I arrange my plate carefully with distinct tastes that DO NOT TOUCH on the plate - and then I eat a bite from each. In that spirit I've been checking out books every week from the following categories: a book of poetry, a cookbook, a Christian fiction, and another fiction or classic novel. There have been an occasional Calvin & Hobbes and some decorating books also thrown in for good measure (kind of like olives & pickles on the Thanksgiving plate)

My first poetry book was Maya Angelou - of course! Who else gets us dancing like we have diamonds between our thighs?! Enough said. Always moving and vibrant reading.



The second books of poems was by poet laureate Nikki Giovanni. I was attracted to the concept of a collection of love poems based on the dynamics of riding a bike: which she says is an act that requires both trust and balance. A few too many "I loved him and he left me" poems for my taste - but was a great read.




The book that is stunning me this week is Sailing Alone Around the Room by Billy Collins. He was the poet laureate in 2001. I've never read his works before and have fallen in love with his syntax, word play, thoughts and whimsey. What a delightful book. Whenever I've been feeling overwhelmed I sneak upstairs and read one of his poems. What a delight! Like a box of chocolates that I've been hiding from the kids to savor all by myself.