The Pact

No more stealing a
man said to his young
sons and two friends---

It began when he
noticed the four of them
chattering after school
in the back yard

them passing around
items that caught
his attention. Can I see?
he asked hoping to
enter their childhood.

One by one they admitted
the deed. A little car
a plastic ring and comic
books taken for free.

The man spoke of honesty
and how it affected the
owner’s attitude about
children visiting his store.
They promised no more.

© Richard L. Provencher