A Baker's Dozen Poem by Raymond Farrell

Today. people
Have come to think
Of the customary Baker's Dozen
Which means thirteen
Of the product and not twelve
As a gesture of charity
Or even generosity
But in reality
The custom was borne out of fear
Not unlike many others
Acts interpreted as reflections
Of a good moral character
These habits came about
Because to cheat one's customers
Not uncommon at the time
Could lead to a flogging
So to contend with people
Putting their fallen nature into practice
Various punishments were enacted
In time the fear of punishment
Deterred crime
And changed people's behavior.