Yannis Ritsos

Here's a recommedation from Jay, our Head Book Buyer:

Monochords by Yannis Ritsos

"A handsome volume of deceptively simple, yet elegant poems. Perfect for reading while riding the bus or when the kids are busy playing video games."

And really, aren't all books of poetry appropriate to those two activities? (If the kids are playing Everyday Shooter or Crayon Physics Deluxe, you might want to divide your attention between the game and the book.)

Here's a few short pieces from the book:

169

With her blue eyes she gives color to the world.

170

Every second a tree, a bird, a smokestack, a woman.

171

He speaks about the poor. His hand becomes a river.

172

You'll drill a number of holes into a reed before it will play a song.