Taxes

Harvey was a boy, just sixteen years old. He delivered the news, in the sun and the cold. He worked for Mr. Smith, a kind, older man. Delivering papers was Harvey's big plan. He rode on his bike, with Sparky in tow. They'd race through the streets, fast and not slow. Harvey was happy, he felt so grown up. He'd get paid on Thursday, he couldn't wait up.

Thursday arrived, and Harvey's heart soared. He'd get his first check, he wouldn't be bored. Mr. Smith handed over a slip of white paper. Harvey's excitement couldn't be any greater. He opened it quickly, expecting a prize. But what he saw brought tears to his eyes. Instead of one hundred, the check read seventy. Harvey felt sad, his joy turned to pity.

Harvey's face fell, and Sparky looked sad. Mr. Smith noticed and asked, "Why so bad?" Harvey explained, "I worked very hard. But my check is too small, it's really quite scarred." Mr. Smith nodded, he knew what to say. He would explain it, in a friendly way. "Harvey, my boy, don't be so blue. Let me tell you what taxes do."

"Taxes?" asked Harvey, confused and unsure. "Yes," said Mr. Smith, "they help, that's for sure. The government needs them to build and to mend. Highways and bridges, from end to end. Eight dollars of yours go to federal tax. To help fund the army and fill in the cracks. It's a small part you give, but it helps us all. To keep our country strong and standing tall."

"The federal tax," Mr. Smith did explain. "Is used for the country, it's really quite plain. It builds up the roads and funds the defense. It's a part of your check, that makes a big sense." Harvey nodded, starting to see. How his money was used, for you and for me. Sparky wagged his tail, feeling the cheer. Harvey's sadness was starting to clear.

"Next," said Mr. Smith, "is Social Security. It's money saved up for your future maturity. When you are old and no longer can work. This money helps you, it's not just a perk. It's a safety net, for when you retire. To keep you secure, and lift you up higher." Harvey smiled, he was starting to see. How this deduction was good, actually.

"Then there's Medicare," Mr. Smith went on. "It's for health care, when you're old and strong's gone. It helps pay for doctors, and medicines too. It's a small part of your check, but it's good for you." Harvey nodded, understanding more. How these deductions were not a chore. Sparky barked happily, seeing the change. Harvey's feelings were starting to rearrange.

"State taxes," said Mr. Smith with a grin. "Help your own state, it's where they begin. They fund the schools and the local parks. They fix up the streets and light up the dark. It's a small part you give, but it helps a lot. To make your state better, in every spot." Harvey felt proud, knowing his share. Was helping his state, showing he cared.

"City taxes," said Mr. Smith, wise and kind. "Help your own city, keep that in mind. They pay for the police, to keep you all safe. They fund the firemen, who are always so brave. They keep the libraries open, and the parks so green. It's a small part you give, but it keeps the city clean." Harvey smiled, feeling quite bright. Understanding taxes made everything right.

Harvey looked at his check, with new eyes. He understood now, it was no surprise. The deductions were there, to help everyone. To build up the country, to get things done. Sparky wagged his tail, feeling the cheer. Harvey's sadness had disappeared. He thanked Mr. Smith, for explaining it all. Now he felt proud, standing so tall.

Harvey went home, feeling so wise. He wanted to share, his new-found prize. He told his friends, about taxes and more. How they helped everyone, rich or poor. His friends listened, with curious ears. They understood now, and lost their fears. Sparky barked happily, joining the fun. Harvey's knowledge had helped everyone.

Harvey felt proud, as he continued to work. Delivering papers, with a smile and a perk. He knew that his money, though smaller than planned. Was helping the country, it was all so grand. Sparky ran beside him, happy and free. They worked together, in perfect harmony. Harvey's heart was light, his spirit was high. Understanding taxes made him a wise guy.

Mr. Smith watched, with a smile so wide. He was proud of Harvey, and filled with pride. He knew that the boy, had learned something great. Understanding taxes, was a wonderful trait. He patted Harvey's back, and said with cheer. "You're a smart young man, it's very clear." Harvey thanked him, for the lesson so kind. Understanding taxes had opened his mind.

Harvey continued, to work every day. Delivering papers, in his own special way. He knew that his money, though less than before. Was helping the country, and so much more. Sparky wagged his tail, feeling the joy. Harvey was happy, a wise young boy. They worked together, in sun and in rain. Understanding taxes had eased all the pain.