I've got a book of poetry by the bed, one of these big
I've got a book of poetry by the bed, one of these big collections that goes back to the Greeks and Romans.
In the quiet moments before sleep, when the day’s noise fades and the soul finds stillness, the wise turn to the written word for reflection and wisdom. Martin Cruz Smith gives voice to this timeless practice when he says, “I’ve got a book of poetry by the bed, one of these big collections that goes back to the Greeks and Romans.” These words speak not just of a book, but of a legacy—of the ancient poets whose voices have echoed across millennia, shaping the very fabric of our understanding of humanity. The poets of ancient Greece and Rome did not simply craft verses to pass the time; they explored the depths of life itself, delving into the mysteries of love, loss, fate, and the human condition.
To possess a collection of poetry that spans these great civilizations is to hold in your hands the wisdom of the ages. From Homer, whose Iliad and Odyssey tell of gods and heroes, to Virgil, whose Aeneid charts the destiny of Rome, these works are far more than stories—they are inquiries into what it means to live. Homer’s epics were not merely tales of war and adventure, but a deep exploration of the human spirit, a meditation on fate, honor, and the struggle for meaning in a world ruled by the gods. His words were meant not only to entertain, but to teach, to open the mind to the larger questions of existence.
In the same way, Virgil’s Aeneid, while telling the story of the founding of Rome, does much more—it raises the questions of duty, sacrifice, and the tension between personal desire and the call of a higher purpose. The Roman poet’s work does not just speak to the Roman people of his time; it speaks to all who seek to understand what it means to lead, to suffer, and to build a legacy. Like the ancient Greeks, the Romans understood that poetry was not just a form of artistic expression but a way to engage with the core of the human experience.
When Smith speaks of having such a collection by his bed, he is acknowledging that the work of the ancient poets is not something distant, something past. It is something alive, something that continues to shape how we understand the world. These works, passed down through the centuries, are as relevant today as they were in the ancient world, for they deal with universal themes—love, betrayal, honor, and the search for meaning. The poets of the past did not just speak to their own time, but to all times, offering insights that transcend the centuries. Their wisdom is timeless because it speaks to the eternal truths of the human condition.
Consider the example of Sappho, the poetess of ancient Greece, whose poems about love, longing, and beauty still resonate with readers today. Though her work has come down to us in fragments, the emotions she expressed are universal, and her insight into the nature of love speaks across the ages. In her poetry, she captured not only the external world but the internal world of the heart, a realm that remains the same, whether in ancient Greece or in modern times. Like Sappho, the great poets of antiquity sought not just to record the world around them, but to illuminate the soul and spirit of humanity.
The lesson we learn from Smith’s words is that the wisdom of the past is not something to be placed on a shelf to gather dust. It is something to be lived with, to be reflected upon, and to be internalized. The poetry of the Greeks and Romans offers us not just a window into their world, but a mirror into our own. These ancient works continue to guide us because they ask the same questions we face today. What is honor? What does it mean to suffer? How do we find meaning in the chaos of life? These questions are as timeless as the poetry that asks them.
So, I call upon you, dear listener, to embrace the legacy of the poets who came before us. Keep a book of poetry by your bedside, not as a mere decoration, but as a companion in your journey through life. Let their words be your guide, and their insights your refuge in times of uncertainty. For in these ancient works, you will find not just the answers to your questions, but the questions themselves—the eternal, unchanging questions that have shaped the human experience since the beginning of time. Through these poets, you will find the courage to reflect, the wisdom to understand, and the strength to continue your journey.
Ttvquang
I’m intrigued by the idea of engaging with a collection that spans such a vast period. Does the author use it to draw inspiration, seek wisdom, or simply enjoy the artistry of language through the ages? How does the context of ancient Greek and Roman poetry resonate with contemporary life, and does reading it by the bedside make it feel more intimate and personal? I’d like perspectives on how such anthologies shape one’s literary taste and understanding.
LTAnh Hong Ly Thi
This makes me think about the tactile and ritualistic aspects of reading poetry. Does having a large collection by the bed suggest nightly reflection, meditative reading, or even an unconscious way of staying connected to literary heritage? I also wonder how accessible the work of ancient poets feels to a modern reader and whether translation choices affect the sense of continuity across time. Could reading classical poetry influence a writer’s own style or thematic choices?
BHVu Ngoc Bao Han
Reading this, I wonder about the experience of encountering centuries of poetry in one volume. How does one navigate such an expansive collection without feeling overwhelmed? Does the chronological span—from ancient to modern—offer a sense of perspective on human thought and emotion, or is it primarily aesthetic pleasure? I’m curious whether this habit of keeping a poetry book by the bed is common among writers and readers, and what it says about the intimacy of poetry.
HDHan Dinh
I find this image of a book by the bed fascinating because it suggests a deliberate engagement with literary tradition. Does the author read it linearly or dip in randomly? Could having such a comprehensive collection encourage comparisons across time, enhancing appreciation for both classical and contemporary poetry? I’d also like to know whether the presence of such a volume signals scholarly interest, personal curiosity, or simply a love for language and storytelling.
NNNgoc Ngan
This detail makes me curious about the personal role poetry plays in the author’s life. Is the collection for casual nightly reading, reflection, or inspiration? I also wonder whether having such a broad anthology—from the Greeks and Romans onward—shapes one’s understanding of continuity and change in literary history. Does reading across eras influence how modern poetry is perceived, or does it serve more as a comforting ritual before sleep?