WHEN I READ

It's my own strength,

And my own laughter.

What are books for?

To read, I said.

   WHEN I READ

It's my own brightness,

And my own knowledge.

What are books for?

To help me think positive, I said.

   WHEN I READ

It's my own comprehension,

My own help,

And my own dreams.

What are books for?

To make my imaginaion grow, I said.

   WHEN I READ

It's my own conversation,

And my own loudness.

I listen closely, I'm happy

I have strength  laughter,

brighteness, knowledge,

comprehension, imagination,

parents and after school help.

You can't take reading away.

   WHEN I READ

It's the best thing we have.

Reading is not a battle field,

so let's join together and help

someone READ, READ, READ.

My daughter poem won the "Honorable Mention Award" among several other Girl Scout entrance. (copyright 2008)