"Why So Books Have So Many Words?"

"Why do books have so many words?" you asked me.

“So many” is a relative term.

If it is an engrossing book,

one that I have eagerly read

and dread

reaching the end,

there can’t be too many words.

`

If the book is tedious,

or poorly written

so that I regret even starting it-

any words at all are too many.

~

There are wordless books

that help you build

the story

in your own mind

with no words needed at all.

(You could try those.)

~

There are books of words

and definitions,

books that explain galaxies,

books that diagnose diseases,

books that try to P U S H the boundaries of knowledge-

such books almost dare us

to make up new words to

express their ideas

as the common ones of every day use

don’t seem enough for the occasion.

~

Books should have only the number of words needed

to convey what they are called upon to convey.

That’s the job of an editor:

to work with the author,

help remove what isn’t needed,

and suggest polishing more that which is essential.

~

Don't give up on books.

Keep trying.

Look for books that make you

yearn for them to never end.

Write a book of your own.

Keep using the words

until you find

just the right amount

that you need.

~

Hello?

(They never responded.)

~~~~

Once a bookseller always a book apologist.

Note- The title is the actual question I was asked. The first line of the poem is what was meant.

Here's my latest bookstore poem:

Comments gladly welcomed: What is your favorite book that you received as a present? {Sometimes we need to buy presents for ourselves- they count, too!}