Expletive (poem)

By Luke Labern

I read a lot because the greatest
Had such passion they had to write it.
I read because there's so much white noise;
I need some silent way to fight it.

I write because I have so much to say
So many contradictions, ideas -- such passion.
I write because I need someone to talk to
Who never replies, and ignores all fashion.

I read before I write to be original:
I want to add to humanity, not repeat it.
I want to influence the world for the better
-- But with the force of a philosophical expletive.