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