The Farm Auction

Rusting tractor on the hill
Fence-post with a posted bill
That says the sale goes on until everything was gone
Bone and silver napkin rings
Elastic bands round spoons and things
Tiny fingers held the strings of that fiddle in the case

Auctioneer comes here today
Privacy upon display
Highest bidder takes away
But they can't take it all

Coffee pots we never used
The silver frames a little bruised
Around the portraits that amused us in the parlor and the hall
Like fire glow with favorite songs
And laughter are the things among
The memories that still belong in those empty rooms

Auctioneer comes here today
Privacy upon display
Highest bidder takes away
But they can’t take it all

A jar of nails, a box of tacks
Dining chairs with wicker backs
In the garden piled in stacks, being spotted by the rain
Remember when the lights were low
Eyes balloons and mistletoe
The morning sunlight on the snow, who will buy a broken sleigh

Auctioneer comes here today
Privacy upon display
Highest bidder takes away
But they can't take it all

The Auctioneer comes here today
Cars line the street, black and grey
While children watch the odd display while others touch the lots
That are numbered with the colored tags
Books and clothing sold in bags
Bought for learning, bought for rags, and everything must go

Auctioneer comes here today
Privacy upon display
Highest bidder takes away
But they can't take it all