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A Can of Peaches

She was a kleptomaniac, His wife of thirty years. The risks she took for stuff of little value Had all but driven him to tears. She had such low regard for the risk; Always said, “If I’m caught, I’ll pay.” “But what if they’re not satisfied?” he’d ask. She just smiled and said, “That’ll be the day.” When first they met, he thought her just young and wild; And, after all, it really did no one any harm. It was fun to watch her be so sneaky, Kind of a sexy part of her appealing charm. The stuff she stole was so petty, But she seemed to have such fun. After all, it wasn’t for the stuff she stole, But for the thrill of what she’d done. As time had passed, he had finally realized It was a sickness, not just a game to play. She’d steal something almost everywhere she went, And she went somewhere almost every day. So, it had gotten old and tiresome, completely out of hand. His pleas of “Get some help.” she would ignore; Tho’ she might have thought better of it If she had known what was in store. While grocery shopping, she tried to steal a can of peaches. They caught her, called the cops, sent her off to jail. She called her embarrassed and disgusted husband, Who resentfully made arrangements for her bail. When her court date came, he went along; And when her case came up, he was by her side. As the judge reviewed her charges, it seemed to him That the judge’s patience was being sorely tried. “Madam" the judge said angrily, "…a single can of peaches? It’s obvious you have no desperate financial need. You are wasting my court’s time with such farce. So, Madam...how do you plead?" She feigned regret. She bowed her head. Surely such a ploy might change his attitude. “Guilty, your Honor. I am so sorry.” He growled, “Save your platitudes.” Then he asked, “How many peaches were in the can?” “Your Honor, I believe that there were ten." “Madam, I intend to teach you a lesson this day. You’ll think twice before you steal again. You’ll serve three days in county jail for each peach in that can.” Her husband saw his chance and said, “Your Honor, if you please, Before you pass her final sentence, you should know…. She also stole a can of peas!"

Copyright © | Year Posted 2014




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Date: 9/27/2021 9:49:00 AM
Hi Robert: So well written and love the surprising outcome. left me with a smile. Best SuZ
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Date: 4/13/2014 12:21:00 PM
This is hysterical.. Im glad I stopped by. Ill be laughing over this one all day. BG
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Book: Shattered Sighs