My book report is due today.
I haven't finished yet.
In fact, I haven't started,
which I'm coming to regret.

I haven't even read the book.
I put it off so long.
I thought I'd have a lot of time.
It looks like I was wrong.

I'd ask my older brother
what this book is all about,
but he's already left for school
and cannot help me out.

I'd hustle to the movie store
and rent the DVD,
but I don't even have the time
to watch it on TV.

I guess I'll have to fake it
and pretend I read the book.
Then write a bunch of nonsense
and assorted gobbledygook.

It's either that, or do the thing
my conscience knows is right:
I'll claim I'm sick and stay at home
and finish it tonight.

--Kenn Nesbitt

Teachers may find this information useful. Please note that Lexile Measures are intended for prose, not poetry. So, technically, the Lexile Measure of any poem should be NP (for non-prose). Nevertheless, this information is frequently requested, so I provide the Lexile Measure for this poem as if it were prose. The Grade Level Average, below, may be a more accurate guide to the reading level of this poem.