Nearing the End

When I’m reading a novel
And nearing the end,
(Especially one that
I would recommend),

I want to speed up
So I finally know
Where the author was leading
Through ebb and through flow.

On the other hand, I’d like
To slow it all down,
‘Cause when I reach the end,
I’ll be wearing a frown

Since I must bid farewell
To the characters whom
Feel like friends I know well
Though our parting ways loom.

The pages I’ve turned
And the chapters perused
Have left me intrigued
And provoked and enthused.

But at last, when I know
That the end’s drawing nigh,
I reluctantly finish
And say my goodbye.