A Quote Does Not Explain Itself

"A quote does not explain itself",

My teacher used to say

For if t'were explain itself

My job would go away;

To say the "how" and "what" and "why"

Of many such a phrase,

To shed a light 'pon what it means

Construe the author's ways.

There'd be no lawyers, jury, court

If it would be that way.

The writers, poets, teachers all

Would sigh in great dismay.

"A quote does not explain itself",

As I was justly told,

For if t'were to explain itself

The world would surely fold.

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