There was a time when I hated to read,
my mind would wander with blinding speed.
Assignments were torture – a poke in the eye,
exception for me that Guy in the Rye.
Dreaded the books required to pass,
and foolish reports as part of the class.
Took many a night and morning sun,
to pick up a book and read it for fun.
Retired am I and now have the time,
to read words of fiction from lovers to crime.
Can stop when I want or just fall to sleep,
then start up again and not miss a beat.
The best part it all – my dues have been paid,
I can read what I want and not for a Grade.