The Need to Read

The Need to Read
Quizmo LaGrande

If I had to do life over again,
If my choices were to spend
My days differently—but then,
I would certainly pick up my pen
And write a story (at times pretend),
And use it just the same, again.

If I had to choose things differently,
(Not too much, I must concede,)
In spring I’d gather inks and seed.
My pen I’d sow and then proceed
To plant my hopes and sit and read!

I’d read aloud to trees and birds.
They like the stories too, I’ve heard.
I’d tell the ocean funny tales
Of sailors trying to set sail
On tiny boats to foreign lands
With elephants as brave deck hands.

I’d read aloud to grass and rose—
That flower has an arrogant pose,
And whispers that she knows the prose
As she lifts her little fragrant nose.
Yet as I read, her pleasure shows!

If I had to turn my life around,
Around, around (now dizzy bound),
I’d climb high mountains with my hound
And read to clouds in singing sound
With echoed verses—most profound,
And mountains singing glory-bound!

But since I’m here, I’ll keep my speed
Unearth my pen, create indeed
A worthy piece for all to read
Aloud to fishes, rocks, and knees,
Aloud to sunshine, foxes, trees,
Aloud to children, and pray they heed
The need to read, and read, and read,
And read, and READ to all they see!