“Don’t judge a book by its cover,” mother said,
Implying, rightly, that the words inside
Convey much more when actually read,
Though there are writers who wish to misguide.

If, when you crack the spine, you find within
Dishonest arguments, a lazy mess,
It’s not surprising you would feel chagrin
Because you lack the context to assess.

And yet, you know your mother didn’t mean
For pithiness to outweigh narrative,
Nor does she wish her daughter to demean
Her own desires for his imperative.

Don’t let your needs by others wants be smothered;
To read is one thing; editing’s another.