Bad Upbringing

When I take my nephew to the park to play basketball, I look around to spot trolls who litter and destroy. " Look at those hoodlooms, how they behave and talk! " " They are my friends " he exclaims. " Your friends? Has your mom met them? " " Scondrels and slanderers have the foul smell of rats in a sewer; they scatter soda cans everywhere and say words we never dare to say! " I notice that I have embarassed him: his bond of friendship seems stronger than the depictable things he sees; he'll try to defend them, then he lowers his head and admits they aren't worthy keeping if they are always getting in trouble! " He asks me taking another look at them. " It's very obvious how pitiful they are with thin bodies and scruffy appearance... do they ever go home and eat dinner, or even take a shower and study hard? " " No, " he replies with a saddening look. " Do you consider them friends or worthless boys?" " They are both, uncle!, I am ashamed of them. " I wanted you to see what they become without putting words in your mouth... their bad upbringing reflects their personality and their behavior; I must blame their parents for the freedom they shouldn't have! " And turning to him with a mellow smile, " You like to go to college and be a basketball player? " " Yes, uncle. " he whispered with a glow that sparked joy in his intelligent eyes. Written on 10/26/2016