Whenever I am lost
or lonely, I know that
I need only to pick a book
and disappear.
Whenever I am hapless
or unhappy, I know that
I need only to find solace in
these pages.
Whenever I am doubtful
or downhearted, I know that
I need only to scan the
written word.
And whenever I am broken
or defeated, or I feel fallible
and feeble, I know that
I need only to sit alone,
and read, and tell myself,
“The world is quiet here”.