嘉越．飛越

Welcome to the fourth and final book of our mini-series, which aims to introduce you to the world of poetry. In the vast ocean of literature, these four selections on poetry may seem like mere droplets. Yet, even the smallest droplets can spark ripples that touch and heal the weariest of our city-dwelling, toil-laden souls. We hope that this gentle ripple has begun to wear away the mental barriers that once kept you from embracing poetry. And now, as we conclude this series, we want to take a step further and invite you to share your newfound joy with those who mean the most to you.

Our final recommendation is Friends: A Poem For Every Day Of The Year, edited by Jane McMorland Hunter. This beautifully designed and sparsely illustrated book celebrates the very foundation of human connection, with a curation of 366 poems or poetic prose that honour the joys, challenges, and beauties of friendship. From a father expressing his love for his young daughter to a duck persuading its kangaroo friend to carry it around the world, these poems reflect the diverse nature of friendship. You’re sure to find the perfect poem to share with your friends.

And that is perhaps the most profound gift of poetry. It thrives in shared laughter, whispered secrets, and heartfelt conversations. In reading, reciting, and passing words along, we create bridges between past and present, between souls yearning for understanding.

So, when you close this book, don’t let poetry stay confined to its pages. Find your favourite verse and let it slip into letters, text messages, quiet exchanges over coffee, or moments of celebration and solace. Share a line with a friend. Surprise a loved one with a few lines that remind you of them. In doing so, you carry forward our mission and continue the legacy that poetry was always meant for connection.

When we first embarked on this journey, we likened the process of learning to read poetry to Dante’s grim traversal through hell, guided by Virgil—with the promise of paradise awaiting beyond. Now, as you continue your journey, let’s conclude our mini-series with something lighter—an excerpt from the poem—“A Duck and A Kangaroo” by the master of nonsense poems Edward Lear:

My life is a bore in this nasty pond,

And I long to go out in the world beyond!

I wish I could hop like you!’

Said the Duck to the Kangaroo.

‘Please give me a ride on your back!’

Said the Duck to the Kangaroo.

‘I would sit quite still, and say nothing but “Quack,”

  The whole of the long day through!

And we’d go to the Dee, and the Jelly Bo Lee,

Over the land, and over the sea;—

  Please take me a ride! O do!’

  Said the Duck to the Kangaroo.

With that, we conclude our mini-series. But hopefully, for you, this is not an ending, but rather a beginning. Now hop on and let poetry carry you forward to wherever your journey may lead. Quack!