Reading is an escape, a guide to another world
When I need to go back in time, make changes, fix mistakes,
I pick up a book, the words flowing over me, taking me away
I travel to distant galaxies, time warp to the past and future
Lush fields of vibrant grass, dark, rolling waves crashing against a silent beach
I teleport to places in the far reaches of my imagination
New realities, anything is possible
I solve crimes, save worlds, discover powers
I ache for challenges, confrontation, and show defiance
I am an explorer, architect, leader
The words come together, forming truths unlike those I am familiar with
Where I am strong, bold, and prepared
But in the end, I’m back in my bed
Reading, always reading, the realities I see on the page just out of my grasp
The real world is corrupt, maybe ruined beyond repair
And the refuge of books is not forever …
Sasha Gogolin
Southampton
Sasha is 12 years old — Ed.
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