Skimming is like cheating
why bother to pretend?
so you can say you've read the book,
a mad rush to the end?

Best do like me, and start a few
and it's exactly what I do
before I will attack it, read
the back and jacket too.

I start in on the chapter list
and read it 'til I've got the gist,
a nice prologue and introduction
if omitted, sorely missed.

I take the words and read 'em over
what was meant, I try to gleen
and if no message was encoded
just what did the author mean?

I'll do the same on every page
until I understand, or age
and when I'm satisfied
unless I've died, I'll turn the page.

I will continue on that course
unless the author beats his horse
and gives me every reason, just to
end it there without remorse.

but if I'm thoroughly engaged
and my boredom not enraged
I must admit I've skimmed a chapter
in the crapper for the aged.

and if I make it to the chase
which has rarely been the case
I will mark it, and then park it
to allow it proper place.

The End