Kuroda Seiki, “Reading” (1891)
We completed classes last week, which means that many of my senior English majors have just read their last assigned work of literature. From here on out, they will be compiling their own reading lists. As they enroll in that great Independent Study that we call Life, here’s a reminder from their trusty friend Emily to keep reading. Faced with a job market that, while improving, is still rocky, they will find that their spirits grow robust whenever they pick up a good book.
He ate and drank the precious words
By Emily Dickinson
He ate and drank the precious words,
His spirit grew robust;
He knew no more that he was poor,
Nor that his frame was dust.
He danced along the dingy days,
And this bequest of wings
Was but a book. What liberty
A loosened spirit brings!
