"I Read" by Richard Peck

I read 

because one life isn't enough, 

and in the pages of a book 

I can be anybody.

I read 

because the words that build the story 

become mine, 

to build my life.

I read 

not for happy endings

but for new beginnings; 

I'm just beginning myself, 

and I wouldn't mind a map.

I read 

because I have friends who don't,

and young though they are,

they're beginning to run out of material.

I read 

because every journey begins at the library, 

and it's time for me to start packing.

I read 

because one of these days 

I'm going to get out of this town, 

and I'm going to go everywhere 

and meet everybody, 

and I want to be ready.

— Richard Peck