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!
I love this short and crisp poem about the book which takes your soul across different continents,to far off lands ,without any “oppress of toll”. Even the poorest can take this traverse. The chariot that bears a human soul is free of cost.
The poem should be understood against a world which was opening up in terms of new lands discovered ,fresh voyages undertaken to explore virgin territories. Sea travelers had brought back exciting tales of hitherto unexplored worlds .
The poet-photographer 