“I’ll be there at three o’clock,” or at least that’s what they say,
But when three o’clock comes ’round, there is reason for dismay.
They either haven’t turned up, or are running very late,
And you hear those excuses, that you tolerate, but hate.

If we’re unreliable, who will take us at our word,
For adverse things about us, may very well soon be heard.
Our “yes” should always mean “yes,” and our “no” always mean “no,”
Otherwise, seeds of distrust, in another’s mind will grow.

Yes, so many turn up late, or don’t turn up as stated,
Causing others frustration, who quite some time have waited.
If we say that we’ll be there, at a certain time, or place,
Our lateness, or non-appearance, others shouldn’t have to face.

Effectively, we misled, if we didn’t do as we said,
Not deliberately I hope, but indirectly, we misled.
We clearly broke a promise, for we stated as a fact,
Something that we said we’d do, that our actions never backed.

Sometimes, folk are left thinking, that sadly, they’ve been misled,
When things beyond our control, stop us doing what we’ve said.
And even when we tell them, it was no fault of our own,
Some still remain unhappy, and strongly complain or groan.

However, when such happens, at least our conscience is clear,
If we’ve acted rightfully, and no culpability share.
Yes, unforeseen things happen, but we still must take great care,
Lest it seem we’re unconcerned, and doubts in their mind appear.

It doesn’t say a lot for us, when we say and then don’t do,
Or if we act in a way, that others can misconstrue.
So, let us all take care now, and make sure we keep our word,
Lest any promises we break, amongst others soon be heard.

We welcome your comments:

Painting by Mary T. Hoffman - God's Creation in Art

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