A string of five prose and poetry recommendations, off the top of my head.
In no particular order.
“My head is bloody, but unbowed.”
Invictus by W. E. Henley
I first heard of this piece as a quote from another book, and the words sustained me for a very long time. I used to recite the poem to myself everyday, just to get through my passing feelings of insignificance and helplessness.
“All mimsy were the borogoves.”
Jabberwocky by Lewis Carroll
You can’t resist the nonsense-sense.
“We have drunk the sacred drink, and we have become immortal; we have gone to the source of light; we have entered the divine home. What injury can befall us now?”
Rig Veda 8:48.1-6a
For several years way back when, I used to change religions regularly. One moment I was a pantheist, then an agnostic, then an atheist. By the time I stepped into high school, I had sworn off religion altogether. In hindsight, an elementary student doing some religious and spiritual soul searching seems like an amusing prospect. But it was an enriching experience; at least I got these inspiring words from it, as well as some clarity.
“(a le af fa ll s”
l(a by e.e. cummings
It was thanks to e.e. cummings and Lemony Snicket (? I think) that I first realized the power of poetry as a visual medium. This poem changed my life, in some ways. And the imagery is breathtaking.
“Life is Poetry.”
This Stradivarius shirt
I own one because I’ve never seen three words more true.
.
I also reblog a bunch of other words and poems on my Tumblr.
Probably good night.