old hippy Loc: Kentucky hills

Don’t read books!
Don’t chant poems!
When you read books your eyeballs wither away
leaving the bare sockets.
When you chant poems your heart leaks out slowly
with each word.
People say reading books is enjoyable.
People say chanting poems is fun.
But if your lips constantly make a sound
like an insect chirping in autumn,
you will only turn into a haggard old man.
And even if you don’t turn into a haggard old man,
it’s annoying for others to have to hear you.

It’s so much better
to close your eyes, sit in your study,
lower the curtains, sweep the floor,
burn incense.
It’s beautiful to listen to the wind,
listen to the rain,
take a walk when you feel energetic,
and when you’re tired go to sleep.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Unfortunately, OH, I am addicted to reading. I surrendered my TV some 13 years ago. I do recite poetry, even if just to myself. I do listen to music, sometime sing along. I do sit an listen to the wind, rain, and other of nature's sounds. I appreciate that I can hear them.
--Bob

lev29 Loc: Born and living in MA.

old hippy,
Those are some interesting sentiments you've got there. Funny, though, I wish I could read a lot faster than I do. My attention span for reading is too short, in my opinion, and I feel the need to nap a lot.

Tell me, please, do you believe and are observing ALL of these expressed sentiments now? Or are you just pointing out alternatives?

lev29 ✌🏼️😎

KoniOmegaflex Loc: Central KY

It does sound peaceful. Thanks for sharing.
A poet who reads his own work in public probably has other bad habits.
I only have one question. Doesn't the walking damage the feet in the same way that reading is bad for the eyes?