HONESTY THE BEST POLICY
When I was a nursing student many years ago,
I had a tale of honesty I feel you should know,
The pay was just a pittance and Christmas was near,
My gifts would be rather small, but I had no fear
For my family understood it’s the thought that counts.

I went to the bank to draw out most of my savings,
My pay in my pocket and my list of gifts remembering,
I set off to the pretty stores, my heart was rather sad,
I would buy those I loved a gift if it took all I had.
A purple silk scarf for Granny, such a lovely shade,
The gift for dad, a fob for his chain, oh, how little I paid.

Mom wanted a beveled mirror mounted in real brass,
I saw one in a window, a treasure I could not pass,
So bringing out my last pound note and all my change
I walked in to buy it, then it happened, something strange,
She wrapped my special gift and carefully handed it to me,
“Don’t forget your change,” and there four pounds I did see.

“You gave me five and change I am quite sure of that.”
I shook my head, then I went and bought a gift for the cat!
When I arrived home and counted all my money out
The store keeper had made a mistake, without a doubt,
I called the company told I’d been given too much change,
When the tills were checked, something they would arrange.

I waited for the rest of the day but no one got in touch,
I hid the money away, the temptation was just too much,
For if I spent it I would somehow have to pay it back,
And of that kind of money my bank account did lack.
On Christmas eve a letter came with a cheque inside,
My utter mystification I really had no way to hide.

To the store I trotted with cheque and the extra money,
I explained, and the lady said, “Please, be a honey
And take it so the tills balance or we are in a mess.
Thank you for being honest it has paid off I guess.”
I went and bought more presents for extended family
And promised that I would always very honest be.

M Ann Margetson © July 13, 2001