Good Books for our Companions

‘Take good books for your companions’ – helpful advice
Given by a friend commending the value of reading
Companions who can transport us into paradise
As in imagination we find our mind engaging

The world of books extends without constraint
The primary division being  fiction and non-fiction
Within these two, the range knows no restraint
Beyond all that’s needed to meet every aspiration

Fiction books are works of the imagination
The creation of the author who would tell a story
In novels a plot is woven full of complication
In time denouement resolves it in all its glory

Fiction is an extensive genre of writing
Romance, mystery, poetry,  even horror
Creativity challenging and exciting
Stirring emotions of joy or even terror

Non-fiction advances more serious companions
These books are primarily works of hard fact
Expounding some theory but rarely without passion
Their intention is didactic or to show us how to act

Non-fiction writing seems to know no bounds
Every sphere of knowledge comes within its compass
Thus expert authors will on their field expound
Utilised for study at home, in school, wherever on the campus

Libraries are the reservoir of endless stocks of books
Fiction and non-fiction occupy their ample shelves
Read biography, history, or instructions how to cook
Dictionaries or travel guides and all kinds of self-help

Crime writing and mystery we can easily access
Suggestions as to how you might improve your health
Even audio-books to make our language skills progress
And investment manuals promising great wealth

Of course in the modern age print books are under threat
By computer versions we can easily download
But the libraries have learned their bets to hedge
By importing the hardware they can become a node

In a literate world books are spawned in great profusion
Creativity abounds without limit or reserve
But the market wallows in confusion
As traditional sellers attempt their share to conserve

Anyway, no matter where you seek out your reading choices
There is no doubt that good companions they will prove to be
As you imbibe the precious written words, the authors’ voices
You will discover the power of literature to set your spirit free

Ken Fisher