(To One Who Doubts the Worth of
Doing Anything If You Can’t Do Everything)

You say the Little efforts that I make
will do no good: they never will prevail
to tip the hovering scale
where Justice hangs in balance.

I don’t think I ever thought they would.
But I am prejudiced beyond debate
in favor of my right to choose which side
shall feel the stubborn ounces of my weight.

Ms. Overstreet was an author, poet, and psychologist who lectured on adult education, political philosophy, mental health, and social psychology. She and her husband were active and vocal supporters of academic freedom and civil liberties, writing several books on those subjects. A prolific author, she also wrote several volumes of poetry. Stubborn Ounces has been the shot in the arm for many a flagging advocate. May it travel well with you and be there when you need it.

The poem is reprinted on this site — which you also might find interesting — https://rethinkingdiversity.wordpress.com/2016/03/12/for-those-days-when/