I
When the facts and realities of daily life drive my spirit dead,
I let the fiction and fantasy take control of my aching head.
With a favorite book and the imagination ready to aid,
I take a great leap to escape from the strife- filled days.
II
I Float in the air, reach faraway places to make a trip,
To a paradise on the earth, and not even aboard a ship.
When I feel low and my mind filled with aches and pain,
I reach for a romantic novel and it takes me to Spain.
III
In the realm of this magical world of literature and art.
In moments, I travel to China or visit the shores of Japan.
If I fancy, I can go to India or meet the King of Siam.
There is no limit to where one can go, if so desire.
IV
Jump in the middle of a royal intrigue or an interlude,
Lovers and villains, war or peace, all depends on my mood.
Participate in the lives of poets dead and gone, yet alive
In the words they left behind; what a treasure for humankind.
V
I hear the ballads from the Caribbean plantation's slaves
Live with Native Americans,then called the Indian Braves;
Fighting for the land and herds of buffaloes, they wanted to save.
Then I join the Cowpunchers to move the cattle to Santa Fe.
VI
Thus, many afternoons I spend, away from my troubles
In another land, in a century, that came and gone.
Alas, here ends my escapade; I must return to my tasks.
My life's path is already charted, but the freedom reigns.
VII
Creative mind is a gift unique bestowed upon us.
It helped me to endure the vagaries of human life.
It may prove to be a solace, if one is woebegone.
Seek in the heart; it is waiting to be discovered.