Biographies
by Sam M. Phillips

I move from one great man to another,
Taking them into my life as a brother,
And trying to learn from them,
Not knowing when
Their advice may be of use,
But aware it would be abuse
To ignore their writing,
They are lighting
The way to a better life
And a way to cope with strife.

I rifle through the pages
Of these immortal sages,
Seeking comfort,
Sure I distort
Their meaning
With my dreaming,
But still gaining
From the straining
Of my eyes.

My soul denies
Any other occupation
Than taking up my station
Here in front of my books,
I know it looks
Like I’m doing nothing,
But I’m actually stuffing
My head with learning,
My brain burning
With the thoughts of the dead.

They have led
An existence just like mine,
And so I find
There is much to be gained
From a restrained
Life of scholarship,
I do not worship
Them as more than they are,
But they are by far
More interesting and instructing
Than the bonds I could be constructing
If I went back to work in a supermarket.

***

My debut short story collection is here!

INFINITY AND I: Seventy Science Fiction Short Stories

Get a copy here: INFINITY AND I: Seventy Science Fiction Short Stories