outside the well - appointed house

screened by laurel, ivy clad

in its curving crescent discretion assured

 

a van pulled up like a culture shock

furniture unloaded, dogs through the door

with a lady in tow taking stock

 

and an antiques dealer, circling and jibing,

calculations, machinations like gamblers

at a cock fight, bending probing checking comparing.

 

French farmbouse cupboard crudely designed

eager eyes to love resigned,

mahogany games table dully shone

 

a regency desk, brass fittings intact -

drawers pulled out, age ascertained.

A commodious dining chair one of a set,

a lonely item, an unsafe bet.

 

The van driver gave his asking price,

a laugh went round and silence ensued,

sniffing for profits a compromise.

 

A deal under laurel and twitching curtains

no money changed hands but promises made,

reputations relied upon and in a trice

the furniture claimed, off to grace a promised land.

 

Once more shut in the lady with dogs

an episode behind the facades,

another story of commerce fulfilled

another game of antique charades.