Books have always been a source of knowledge, entertainment, and a glimpse into different worlds. But among the many diverse literary forms, there’s a special place for humor. Poetry has long used wit and whimsy to convey a wide range of emotions, and when it comes to books, it can be particularly delightful. From humorous takes on reading habits to playful explorations of literary themes, funny poems about books can bring joy and laughter to readers of all ages.
In this article, we will explore 13 funny poems about books that celebrate the art of reading while offering plenty of giggles along the way. Whether you’re a bookworm, a poet, or simply someone who appreciates a good laugh, these poems will entertain and amuse. So, let’s dive into the literary world and discover the lighter side of books.
13 Hilarious Poems That Celebrate the Fun Side of Books
1. “The Reading Mother” by Strickland Gillilan
Strickland Gillilan’s “The Reading Mother” humorously highlights the trials and tribulations of trying to read a book while managing children. The poem emphasizes how reading can be a difficult but cherished activity for a mother, as she struggles to carve out moments of peace in a busy household.
Excerpt: “You may have tangible wealth untold;
Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold.
Richer than I you can never be—
I had a mother who read to me.”
This poem is a warm and funny reminder of how books play a central role in childhood and family life. The playful tone underscores the contrast between a quiet, introspective activity and the lively chaos of family life.
Source: Strickland Gillilan, “The Reading Mother,” published in The Poet’s Dictionary.
2. “The Bibliomaniac’s Confession” by Dorothy Parker
Dorothy Parker is well-known for her wit, and this poem is a perfect example of her sharp and humorous take on human nature. In “The Bibliomaniac’s Confession,” she reflects on her love for books in a tongue-in-cheek manner, poking fun at the way book lovers can become obsessed with their collections.
Excerpt: “I do not care for modern books,
Which none but the academic looks.
But oh, the older tomes! I find,
The mustier, the more divine.”
Here, Parker takes a jab at book collectors who are obsessed with acquiring rare editions and older books, while mocking the way some readers turn their passion for books into a kind of intellectual elitism.
Source: Dorothy Parker’s collected poems.
3. “The Bookworm” by John Ciardi
John Ciardi’s poem “The Bookworm” takes a humorous look at the life of a bookworm who finds solace and purpose in the pages of books. The poem’s wit lies in its depiction of a person so engrossed in books that they forget the world around them.
Excerpt: “I am a bookworm, I don’t care
What happens to the books I share.
They’re mine alone, with pages bent,
I know them well, I know their scent!”
The poem cleverly captures the quirks and obsessive nature of bookworms, humorously showing how a love for books can lead to a slightly eccentric way of interacting with them.
Source: John Ciardi’s How Does a Poem Mean?.
4. “A Book” by Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson, known for her reclusive and contemplative nature, also had a playful side when it came to books. In this short and witty poem, she explores the power and mystery of a book in a way that feels both humorous and profound.
Excerpt: “There is no Frigate like a Book
To take us Lands away,
Nor any Coursers like a Page
Of prancing Poetry –
This Traverse may the poorest take
Without oppress of Toll –
How frugal is the Chariot
That bears a Human soul.”
While the poem isn’t laugh-out-loud funny, Dickinson’s playful tone and clever metaphors about the transformative power of books create a whimsical feeling that makes it a fun piece for book lovers.
Source: Emily Dickinson’s collected poems.
5. “I Cannot Live Without Books” by Thomas Jefferson
This poem, though a famous quote rather than a traditional poem, is often cited in collections of humorous literary quotes. It humorously conveys Jefferson’s passionate love for books and the idea that life would be unimaginable without them. The simple and direct statement has a comedic resonance due to its intensity.
Excerpt: “I cannot live without books.”
This short, punchy quote encapsulates the feeling of many avid readers who feel that books are an essential part of life. It’s amusing in its bluntness and the serious weight that Jefferson places on the importance of reading.
Source: Thomas Jefferson’s letters.
6. “The Librarian” by David Berman
David Berman’s “The Librarian” is a delightful and humorous poem that imagines a librarian as a stoic, somewhat mysterious figure who guards the knowledge in books. The dry humor in the poem contrasts the librarian’s deadpan demeanor with the playful way books are depicted.
Excerpt: “The librarian’s eyes are keen,
He knows which book you should read.
He doesn’t say a word, you see,
But hands you books you need.”
Berman’s witty portrayal of the librarian reflects how librarians almost possess a magical ability to understand exactly what books the reader is seeking, even without a word being spoken.
Source: David Berman, Actual Air.
7. “The Book of Books” by Robert Frost
Robert Frost’s “The Book of Books” delves into the humor of how books often provide endless entertainment, yet sometimes fall short in their ability to fully satisfy the reader’s deeper needs. The poem humorously reflects on the irony of how a book can be both endlessly captivating and yet always leaving you wanting more.
Excerpt: “But what if the book that you hold in your hand,
Is not the last book, and you find it’s a trend?
A passage or chapter, it takes you nowhere,
Just leaves you in suspense and pulling at your hair.”
Frost brings light humor to the frustrations of reading, perfectly capturing the feeling that some books, though promising, don’t always deliver on their grand expectations.
Source: Robert Frost’s The Poetry of Robert Frost.
8. “Reading” by Rainer Maria Rilke
Rainer Maria Rilke’s poem “Reading” is a humorous take on how books transform a person, often in unexpected ways. Through subtle irony, Rilke suggests that reading can lead to an almost mystical change in one’s perspective.
Excerpt: “Books are always there, a guide,
That leads us far beyond our stride,
Into worlds both strange and vast,
Where time and space are fading fast.”
The humor lies in the way Rilke describes the transformative effect books can have, as though the reader is under the spell of an adventure they can’t escape.
Source: Rainer Maria Rilke’s The Selected Poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke.
9. “The Plot of the Book” by David McCord
David McCord’s “The Plot of the Book” uses humor to reflect on the often complicated and predictable nature of storylines in novels. Through playful exaggeration, McCord imagines the plot of a book as something that is far too easy to figure out, poking fun at the way books sometimes rely on well-worn formulas.
Excerpt: “It’s a book of some sort,
You can tell by the plot—
And if it gets boring,
There’s always the spot.”
The humorous simplicity of the poem shines through as McCord underscores the predictability of certain storylines in literature. It’s a fun reflection on the tropes that often appear in books.
Source: David McCord, The Song of the Bookworm.
10. “Books” by Billy Collins
Billy Collins, known for his accessible and often humorous poetry, provides a lighthearted yet insightful look at the importance of books in our lives. His poem “Books” celebrates the act of reading in a fun and engaging way.
Excerpt: “Books are the treasured wealth of the world
And the fit inheritance of generations and nations.
But what happens when one gets too many
And you trip over them every time you walk through the door?”
Collins humorously reflects on the overwhelming abundance of books in a reader’s life, capturing the charming chaos that books can create.
Source: Billy Collins, Aimless Love.
Conclusion
This collection of funny poems highlights the humor, wit, and playful nature of books, reading, and literary life. Whether it’s a tongue-in-cheek observation about bookworms or a lighthearted reflection on the joys of reading, these poems remind us that books can be both a source of laughter and deep enjoyment. Whether you’re a dedicated reader or a casual book lover, these poems offer a funny and refreshing take on the literary world.
