The Disappearing Balance

From The Seattle Star, October 14, 1912.
By Berton Braley.
 

 I never can figure my bank account out,
 I’m always in trouble and always in doubt,
 And just when I think I have lots to go on
 The bank sends a notice—“account overdrawn.”
 I don’t understand it; I fuss and I fret,
 But I can’t make the bank “get me,” you bet.
 They point to their figures and I must remit,
 Although I can’t see any reason for it.
 
 I’m sure I am right in the balance I claim,
 But they make me come through when they ask, just the same.
 And they smile in a way condescending and bland,
 When I say that their system I can’t understand;
 For this is the puzzle my brain cells to vex—
 Why doesn’t my money keep pace with my checks?