Books were not written to be left on a shelf

Always something to read and learn

Forget every care by absorbing yourself

Lounging on the sofa, is what I yearn

Outside in nature, I am limited to where I go

Open a book and travel to any destination

Off to the beach, or mountains topped with snow

Experience any culture-American or Asian

In nature, either too hot or cold

Not just the climate, but fears I must face to explore

Snakes, spiders and bears-I am not that bold!

Reading in the comfort of home, I go places I never been before

Children love to look at the bright illustrations

And have the same story read and reread

Begging Mommy or Daddy to give the narration

Every night before they head off to bed

Imagine no books to spread knowledge of those who came before

We, the human species, would not be very bright

Living only ten and three score

We need a head start on knowledge and insight