Please Take Only One

At a U.F.T.* event,
The sign was printed large,
Obviously placed there by
The person left in charge.

What it said was no surprise
For schnorrers** often show,
But “Please take only one!” I thought
Was not the way to go.

It referred to bagels, which
Were piled upon a plate,
Looking like the most pathetic
Ones you ever ate.

Though quite unappealing,
Even with a cream cheese schmear,
There are those who might take two – 
The sign made that quite clear.

An admonition will not stop
A schnorrer in his tracks,
But add some sorry bagels and
The food staff can relax!

*United Federation of Teachers
**greedy people who take more than their share
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Johnson Avatar
May 22, 2013 at 5:05 PM
Bagel, shmegel, lox and cheese. Help yourself, take all you please. But if you get an upset stomach. Don't blame me when your on your knees.
Hicks Avatar
May 20, 2013 at 10:58 PM
If you're asking me I'll eat just about anything... sorry looking bagels or not. This was a really random topic to write about... but I enjoyed that about it. I remember accidentally taking two suckers from a Halloween bowl when the old lady said "please, take one"... I honestly didn't hear it her correctly, but every once in a great while I still feel a bit bad about it (why? I don't quite know)...
Dietrich Avatar
May 18, 2013 at 1:02 AM
hahaha, I would NOT be tempted by dumb bagels. They were smart to put those out if they did not want to worry about running out of food!!!
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace