the need to read

it's rare
these days
that someone says
pop the hood
let's take a look
at the engine.
instead
they want to see
what's inside
the car, play
with the lights
and the bells,
the whistles.
they want to
breathe in that new
car smell.
hear what comes
out of the speakers,
touch the leather
and the knobs
that shine
like ornaments
on a tree.
the motor is less
important, or
so it seems.
which makes you
understand a little
why so many
beautiful people
don't feel
the need to read.