Poem March 17, 1997 Issue

Pennies, pencils, and paper clips

Wendy Louise Stevens

What does it matter,
A little voice whispers,
If you borrow something insignificant—
A penny, a pencil, or a paper clip?
No one will ever know,
The whisper comes again.
It's just for minor personal use,
And will cause no hardship or pain.

Harmless temptation?
It appears to be merely
"Small loss, small gain."
But I know right from wrong;
And tiny as it seems,
What a price to pay—
Honesty tainted and innocence stained.

I choose to leave
The penny, pencil, and paper clip
Upon the desk,
Joining not in the least evil's partnership,
Knowing innocence of even tiny sins
Goes hand in hand with peace of God—
Worthiness of total trust
And experience of abundant good.