Consignment

May 13, 2018

Consignment

Big barn of a room

In the center a space to take money and answer the phone

Down at the far end a curtain covers the intake area

Elevator up to the price tagging and record keeping

All around the debris of lives discarded or downsized or ended

 

A cobalt blue glass vase

A pair of wingback chairs in needlepoint

Most uncomfortable

Sheraton style bedroom suite

Granny’s musty treasures

Shelves of china and glassware

No chips! Complete set!

And dinner service and warming dishes

Salt and pepper sets

China dogs and roosters

A silk blouse?

Denim skirt?

A silver bracelet?

Onyx beaded necklace with matching earrings

Coffee pot bread maker electric skillet

Tabriz rug, great condition!

 

In someone’s mind at some time each had value

Money or sentiment or comfort

Was each one hard to give up?

Now each has a tag

$50 this week $30 next week, then $10

Next month in the donation bin

Is each life diminished?

Or perhaps its freedom

 

How appropriate that I’m here

In the middle of this sea of discards

Reflection of the content of my mind

Up for a bargain price

Or into the rummage bin

Off to an orphanage in Sudan

Or to be torn into rags.