During April, National Poetry Month, we are posting a poem a day. If you would like to suggest one, please email it in. Today’s poem was submitted by Margaret Eberhardt. It is by Mary Oliver, a poet who moved to Proviincetown in the 60’s. Much of this Pulitzer Prize winner’s verse focuses on the natural world.

Percy and Books (Eight), by Mary Oliver

Percy does not like it when I read a book.
He puts his face over the top of it and moans.
He rolls his eyes, sometimes he sneezes.
The sun is up, he says, and the wind is down.
The tide is out and the neighbor’s dogs are playing.
But Percy, I say, Ideas! The elegance of language!
The insights, the funniness, the beautiful stories
that rise and fall and turn into strength, or courage.
Books? says Percy. I ate one once, and it was enough. Let’s go.