Read!

[Fathima]

I just started writing poems a few days ago. This is one of my first ones.

He sits in the same spot with his cup of chai
With the same old cushion to support his broken spine

He only reads
I never understood why

Words which hold no meaning for a man unlettered
Wouldn't it be better if he spoke a kind word to a friend?
Or if he went outside to do some good works instead?
If he at least read in a tongue that he readily knew

Suddenly, a nagging voice calls for him
But his lowered head does not even lift
Nor does his reciting voice make the slightest change in pitch

'What is in this book? ', I wondered
I opened it for myself and immediately felt God's mercy descend!
It commanded, 'Read! '
So I obeyed and read

Since then, I have not stopped reading
For indeed
This is guidance, my friend

[doolasmind#11]

I really like this piece, it touched a cord with me back to my religious school days as a child. I'm new to poetry so im not really sure about the format but i thought it flowed nicely.

'What is in this book? ', I wondered
I opened it for myself and immediately felt God's mercy descend!
It commanded, 'Read! '
So I obeyed and read

Since then, I have not stopped reading
For indeed
This is guidance, my friend

that part especially. excellent work says this novice

[awv-fitzy]

Very direct message, I like it. 
I like how he never responds to you, only the book does. 
The way you use movement (or lack thereof) in the 4th st. is also quite nice.
Also, I think you could make it reconnect if "This is guidance, my friend" was replaced with "This is kind words, this is good works, my friend."
Just very evocative all around, though like the reply above I'm also a novice.