嘉越．飛越

Welcome to the third book of our four-part mini-series, which aims to introduce you to the world of poetry. Now that you are halfway through, you’ve hopefully cruised past the Inferno of poetic intimidation on your journey of discovering poetry. If you are new to this third instalment and have no idea what I’m talking about, I strongly recommend you check out the first part of the mini-series.

Before we dive into the book’s content, let me ask you these: Why poetry? Why read it? What is its purpose? Surely you may have pondered these questions a few times yourself. Here is how the English Romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley viewed the matter – “Poetry is the record of the best and happiest moments of the happiest and best minds.” Poetry may be hard to define, but it is safe to say that a big part of it is about joy –a feeling that can be scarce in the midst of modern life’s pressure. This is where our third book “A Happy Poem To End Every Day” chimes in.

Edited by Jane McMorland Hunter, this book presents a delightful collection of uplifting poems, assigned one to each day of the year. Unlike the pocket-sized book recommended in part two, this book is meant for your nightstand—ensuring that, regardless of the day’s challenges, you can conclude your day with a sense of solace and happiness. You can either follow the calendar and dive straight into the poem of the day, or explore at your own pace, going to the dates that hold special meaning to you and your loved ones. There’s no correct way to read this book, except to enjoy it. Now as I turn the pages at my desk, W.B. Yeats transports me to the peaceful countryside near The Lake Isle of Innisfree, where the fresh air brings me much-needed tranquillity:

I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree,

And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made;

Nine bean-rows will I have there, a hive for the honey bee,

And live alone in the bee-loud glade.

...

I will arise and go now, for always night and day

I hear lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore;

While I stand on the roadway, or on the pavements grey,

I hear it in the deep heart’s core.

Despite feeling trapped by the relentless pace of urban life, hope and happiness always await those who take a moment to pause, embrace the small joys, and find beauty in everyday moments. Such is the magic of poetry. Does this tension resonate with you? And where will this book take you next?