Make Promises To Keep Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

Make promises to keep!

Breaking a promise,
Is like kissing away one's integrity.
In fact,
Those who break promises,
Should not make claims
Of knowing what integrity means.

However,
There are certain instances
In which good intensions
Are misunderstood for keeping a promise.
One, if made, should be kept as should!

Minding my own business,
As is my custom when visiting friends.
I overheard Bob and Helen in discussion.
About their relationship.
One I regard as ideal.
One that had me close to thinking,
Of getting married again!

Bob saved me!
And he had no idea...
From what!
And friends forever we will remain.
And that visit I made,
Was a stroke of good luck.

'We've been together for ten years.
Said Helen.
Thinking what was said,
Was out of range from my listening ears.

'And the only thing we have not done between us,
Is get married legally.
And you keep saying that's what we are going to do.
But when?
Promise me you will marry me! '

God was sending me a message.
And I listened intently.

~As long as you know we are going to get married...
Why the rush? ~
Bob said in a quieting hush.

~As soon as the house gets paid.
And the kids grow up.
Our creditors are satisfied...
We can do something we 'alway's wanted to do.
We have company now.
So let's not start a fuss.~

God please keep my lips closed tight and shut.
I wanted so much to say 'something' but...

'We'll both be 'dead' by then! '
Said Bob...
Coming out with drinks,
Followed by Helen.
Coming from the kitchen.

~Now that's a promise I can keep!
At least you can say I 'had' integrity.
And was faithful to my intentions.
And I was reliable!
How many people do you know can say that? ~

'Well...'
Said Helen.

~Not too many.
If any.~
Replied my dear friend Bob.

Bob and Helen,
I must go.
And Bob?
You are a terrific human being!
How 'terrific'?
The words from me,
Are too many to flow.
But I just wanted you to know.