The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

Flyleaf Prose

To steal this book would be a shame
Because Name is not your name.
And when you die the Lord will say,
"Where is that book you stoled that day?"
And when you say "I do not know,"
The Lord will say, "Go down below."

Prisoner -- Name
Prison -- Name of school
Cell -- Room Number
Floor -- Of room
Warden -- Teacher
Term -- How many years, left
Charge -- Education

Submitter comment:

This was written inside the autograph book while I attended grade school. Everyone did it. Highland Park in 1961.

Data entry tech comment:

Informant and collector are the same person.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; AUTOGRAPH BOOK ; HIGHLAND PARK