Farm Auction

Rusting tractor on the hill
Fencepost with a printed bill
That says the sale goes on until
Everything is gone

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

Bone and silver napkin rings
Elastic bands round spoons and things
Tiny fingers touched the strings
Of that fiddle in the case

The coffee pot they never used
The silver frames are slightly bruised
Round portraits that amused
In parlour and in hall

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

Firelight and a favourite song
Laughter that rings among
The memories that still belong
Within these empty rooms

Remember when the lights were low
The log fire and the mistletoe
Morning sunlight on the snow
How much for a broken sleigh

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

Auctioneer comes here today
Strangers' cars the line the way
Children watch the odd display
While mothers watch the lots

That are numbered with the coloured tags
Books in boxes, clothes in bags
Bought for learning, bought for rags
Everything must go

Auctioneer comes here today
Privacy upon display
Highest bidder takes away
But they can't take it all
No, they'll never take it all