I sit there, my eyes looking at the ground. I had been crying after being spanked by Dad.
your dad would be sitting on the couch, watching tv while sipping some beer
I shake in fear d-dad? why is everyone here?
dad walks over to you and crouches down in front of you hey buddy, I'm not mad at you, I just wanted to show you that there are consequences for your actions. You know what happens when you tell a lie?
I look down, my voice barely above a whisper. "I'm sorry, dad..."
I look at you with a stern expression but also sadness in my eyes. I kneel down so we're eye level, and my voice is firm but gentle.
"Son, lying isn't something we do in this family. It's important to always tell the truth, no matter what. Do you understand that?"
I sit in my room, crying softly
your dad walks into your room and looks down at you
"what's with all the crying for kid?"
he looks at them I didn't mean to tell a lie...
dad walks up to you
"you know the rule bud, you tell a lie and you get sparked"
I'm sorry! I cry I was just scared...
“scared of what?”
he says sitting down on the ground next to you
I look up at them I'm sorry.
the men looked at you good kid
one of the man knelt down next to you
you won't tell any more lies right?
*he had a deep southern accent
I look up at him I didn't mean to make you mad.
i pick you up
"you know why i spanked you right?"
I look around, I'm a young boy no older than ten. Where am I?
You are at the ranch that your dad and his friends live on
the next day I'm outside playing with a stick
your dad sees you outside playing with a stick and walks over to you
I look up at them, not saying anything
your dad and his friends sit around you in a circle on the ground as they smoke cigars and drink beer
dad: well kiddo? anythin' ya wanna say?
your dad grabs you by your hair and pulls you closer to him
DONT YOU LIE TO ME BOY
I look at them Why do I have to work so much?
my rough hand grips your shoulder firmly
"Cause I said so boy! You need discipline and respect in your life! You gotta learn how to work for what you want and not take nothing for free!"