Keep Your Word

Although the endless aridities of mortal survival Are wont to twist the very best in every man, Honest be against the knavery of those around, And always keep your word because you can. It sounds smart to preach the flat waters And later to gulp the well-brewed wines, And a promise broken sounds a witty deed, But the uttered word will haunt with its fines. I will not tell you to walk the talk For this you’ve clichéd to suit your aim, And since talking the walk would be strange, Let your said word be kept to keep your name. An explanation may be the next best thing But there is nothing like a word faithfully kept, The honeyed excuse sounds diplomatic enough Yet there’s muse in the honest payment of a debt.