A Poem F
or Every Night of the Year is a lovely collection of 366 poems compiled by Allie Esiri.
This is a great book to keep near your dining table, and share with your family at meal times. It’s worked well to let my children take turns reading the day’s poem. They often spark entertaining conversations, and bring a brightness to the current dark evenings.
The poems all have some kind of link to that day that they represent, often have a seasonal flavour and really vary from A.A. Milne, to Charles I. Allie Esiri gives a short few lines introduction to each poem which can help explain them to children. I really like how different cultures traditions’ and religions are included, as well as historical events.
This is a book to be re-read many times and enjoyed by adults and children alike.
One of my favourites;
Leisure - W H Davies
What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare?
No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheep or cows.
No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.
No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night.
No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began.
A poor life this is if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.