I did not raise a reader

Dear son,

I regret not having inculcated in you

The love for reading that has carried me through

Many storms in life over the years

I have not given you a valuable tool, I fear

To cope with life’s many tribulations

When life seemed unbearable my inclination

Has been to pick up a book and enter a world not my own

That has been the best temporary escape I have known

But with you I have not been able to share

The unbridled joy of being lost in a book, to be unaware

Of the world around you, while you inhabit a world designed

By the author and imagined in your mind

*

You have grown up surrounded by every available device

It has been challenging for you to stick to my advice

Of reading a book purely for pleasure

I wish I could pass on to you how much I treasure

Having access to unlimited books to read

In this case, by example I wish to lead..

*

You are still young and impressionable

I hope you find a mentor who encourages and enables

You to develop in reading a lasting interest

Who, like me, believes that books are the best