The Man Who Loved to Burn The Book – By Novid Shaid


The Man Who Loved to Burn The Book
By Novid Shaid, September, 2010

Once there was a man, who yearned to burn a book,
which millions loved; it was their special book,
its verses had some of them completely hooked;
they were delighted by just a momentary look.

But this man sneered; he confounded their desire,
to read this book, to follow and admire.
He thought it was wicked to even take a look
The proper thing he thought was to burn the book.

So he ordered many copies new and fine
Some people sent to him and some came from online.
He made a stockpile then everyday he cooked
A raging fire to sizzle all these books.

Suddenly his face appeared on every media
He even had an entry on Wikipedia!
There was great outcry; many labelled him a schnook!
For his intention to burn this special book.

When people heard, they ordered him to stop
His friends said, “Don’t listen or you’ll be a flop!
There’s wickedness, there’s violence if you look
The only thing to do is burn the book!”

Eventually the fateful day arrived
The bonfire ready and their faces full of pride
They gathered round inspecting every book
They couldn’t wait to watch them being cooked.

They filmed them burning by the multitude
Films of it were uploaded on You Tube.
Frenzied people rioted, and their fists they shook
How dare this man abuse their special book!

But as the books were perishing in the fire
It sparked off many to search and to inquire.
What’s all this fuss about? Let’s take a look!
Why does this man love to burn this special book?

And everyday this man prepared his fire
And giggled with his friends, watching those books expire,
More people couldn’t help but take a look,
At the contents of this special burning book.

And finally when this man was feeling better
He was greeted with thousands of complimentary letters.
Some praised him for the work he undertook
But many thanked him for showing them the book.

Because now they read it every single day
They loved its poetry, and the message it conveyed.
And now they couldn’t resist taking a look,
Because of the man who loved to burn the book.