We want “good deals,” that is true

Does that require being partial too?

Seems transactions we most savor

Ends the bargain in “our” favor

Why in friendship’s deepest pledge

Still there’s sought that tiny edge?

And enters advantage, greed, and pride,

Any simple commerce we must divide

Dispensing, reviewing, the closer look

It must advantage “our” pocket book

To outwit, out-maneuver our fellow man

We pull what strings we possibly can

And sad it is when a deal is done

Who gets “the most” perceives he’s won.

Why gain a penny to risk a good name

Then live with regrets in this sharing game?

Negotiation is seldom a mutual swap

It is a “crowd and dicker’ for the top

Selling, buying, or the smallest trade

Who yields to fairness sets the grade

May we shed this barter’s curse

And divvy morality when goods disperse

Learn to “Christian” when there’s a pinch

Be the winner and yield the inch.

Don Aslett of McCammon is the founder of The Museum of Clean, 711 S. 2nd Ave., Pocatello, and still enjoys giving tours to all visitors. Check out the museum’s website at www.museumofclean.com.