Not Yours

Today one of my "cloistered brothers" told me a curious story.  He came into the room to look for a book and mumbling that it drives him crazy when people don't return things they borrow.  I suggested that he put his name on the cover so the borrower will see that it's not his book.  He replied that he doesn't want his stuff all over the prison.  Some people will see his name and maybe scribble all over his book or do some other damage to his property.  So he does something else and he told me this story.

One time he brought a bowl into the chow hall to use for a second helping.  While in line, he put the bowl on the top of a cupboard, then he went through the chow line.  Sitting down and eating, he kept an eye on the chow line.  He was watching for the line to end.  His plan was to get up and get back in line with his bowl, for a second helping.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw someone pick up his bowl.  They looked inside.  They looked on the bottom.  They turned the bowl all around and then kept the bowl.

Since then, my "cloistered brother" writes "NOT YOURS," on property that he wants to keep.  That's it; that's all.