"Television" by Roald Dahl

"Oh yes, we know it keeps them still,They don't climb out the window sill,

They never fight or kick or punch,

They leave you free to cook the lunch

And wash the dishes in the sink --

But did you ever stop to think,

To wonder just exactly what

This does to your beloved tot?

IT ROTS THE SENSE IN THE HEAD!

IT KILLS IMAGINATION DEAD!

IT CLOGS AND CLUTTERS UP THE MIND!

IT MAKES A CHILD SO DULL AND BLIND

HE CAN NO LONGER UNDERSTAND

A FANTASY, A FAIRYLAND!

HIS BRAIN BECOMES AS SOFT AS CHEESE!

HIS POWERS OF THINKING RUST AND FREEZE!

HE CANNOT THINK -- HE ONLY SEES!"

This is an excerpt out of a beautiful poem by Roald Dahl. I read it after a long time today, and it made me smile so fondly. The "Television" is Dahl's famous poem that encourages and inspires people to read books, rather than watching TV. It's one of the most meaningful poems of our time. The poem is taking a comedic look at a serious issue today with young children. This alerts us of the risks of watching TV too much. TV robs our minds of the power of creativity and imagination. Kids, even though might throw tantrums, would later love you more and thank you more for introducing them to the lovely world of books. As Roald Dahl puts it:

"Fear not, because we promise you 

That, in about a week or two 

Of having nothing else to do, 

They'll now begin to feel the need 

Of having something to read. 

And once they start -- oh boy, oh boy!"

Oh boy, indeed! Roald Dahl is the children's author that any adult can also read and love. I have always been a fan of Dahl. My brother and I, throughout our childhood, kept picking up books of Dahl to read, even if we had graduated to other books and genres. 

Check out the full poem here! If you haven't read a Roald Dahl yet, I suggest you pick up a copy of Charlie And The Chocolate Factory to get lost in the wondrous world of Willy Wonka and his oompa-loompas! Happy reading!