When You Step Into a Book

If you know me, you know rhyming forms are not my forte. I do try them from time to time, just to renew my “poet card,” but it’s been a while, so I decided to try my hand at a villanelle. (If you’re interested in the details of exactly what that is, you can find them here. ) The most familiar one is probably Dylan Thomas’ Do Not Go Gentle Into That Goodnight, and my efforts come nowhere close to that brilliance, I assure you. They’re usually about love, but this one isn’t a love poem, unless you’re a lover of books, which I am, so I think that counts. Please forgive any missed beats or odd rhymes; as I said, these types of forms are not my strong suit. Enjoy!

When You Step Into a Book


What happens when you step into a book?
When you open your eyes, what do you see?
You find a new world and places to look.

The people you meet! A prince or a crook!
And places too! Vast oceans and tall trees.
What happens when you step into a book?

When you find your place, your own little nook,
the universe opens and you're set free.
You find a new world and places to look,

where a wicked witch has children to cook
behind a secret door without a key.
What happens when you step into a book?

A man chases after a pocketbook
stolen by a fairy, dancing with glee.
You find a new world and places to look.

Think of the wonders you've never partook
your own brilliantly bright shining marquee.
What happens when you step into a book?
You find a new world and places to look.

~Elise Skidmore ©2025