The Facts of Pacts

There was a time my daddy said
When a man’s word was his bond.
A firm handshake sealed the contract,
No one was ever conned.

When railroads brought in lesser men
Than those who won the west,
Those shysters made some shady deals
That could not pass the test.

Then lawyers put their shingles up,
Saying they could do it right,
With a pact ink-signed and notarized,
And completely watertight.

Rules were made and laws were passed
And lawyers filed each deed.
While Dad maintained, with honest men
Handshakes are all they need.

Written 5/13/12
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

Poem

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Brown Avatar
May 21, 2012 at 7:43 AM
Congratulations on your placement in Paula Swanson's "Pact" contest Joyce. Love, Carol
Macfarlane Avatar
May 20, 2012 at 5:05 PM
A simpler time, now it's all a money racket. Excellent write! Many congrats. Hugs
Madonsela Avatar
May 20, 2012 at 3:47 PM
great and true. Hope u enjoyed da contest as wel as i did. And congrats for placing. Ronny
Guzzi Avatar
May 20, 2012 at 12:04 PM
So true!! [and free!] Congrad's on your winning write. Light & Love
Richards Avatar
May 20, 2012 at 8:40 AM
The world has changed, and in many ways, a man's honor is not enough....isn't that a shame? I enjoyed your poem, Joyce, so true!
O'Leary Avatar
May 20, 2012 at 6:36 AM
Yes, a poem in the present of a thing of the past... Congrats... Terry
Williams Avatar
May 20, 2012 at 2:07 AM
Joyce congrats on your win, very true..David
Tams The Golden Girl Avatar
May 20, 2012 at 12:43 AM
Nice one Joyce, oh for the days when it was true xx
Dietrich Avatar
May 14, 2012 at 9:58 PM
NICELY done for the contest, Joyce. Nobody could describe this topic better!
Bauer Avatar
May 14, 2012 at 5:22 AM
very true and well-said! good luck in the contest!
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