Hung-over couples worship and mutter

At the church of dusty clutter

 

Stewards tend a colourful crop

Of family tailgates opened up

 

These Sunday ritual strolls expand

Across this green and pleasant land

 

Once loved treasures much the same,

That Christmas when we played that game

 

The provenance of each orphaned chattel,

Revealed in the bartering penny battle

 

Unwanted boots and standard lamps,

Musty tents from boy scout camps

 

Nazi helmets put on sale

Next to medals from Somme and Passchendaele

 

Seventies retro coffee cups

Remind dad of the power cuts

 

Photos of forgotten folks,

Postcards of dirty postcard jokes

 

Couples in wellies and jackets waxed

Reminded of all that business faxed

 

Then a moment of repose

Soon after mum sells baby clothes

 

She makes her way to passenger seat

For that sad and quiet weep

 

And as the season’s sun descends

This harvest reaches another end

 

So all those final deals are done,

Sold for pennies by the ton

 

The train of family cars depart,

Then counting notes and coins start

 

The day had been a tough old lot,

Revealing memories half forgot

 

Of presents wrapped, money saved

For that brand new purchase made

 

How proudly they had once possessed,

Then gathering dust in battered chest

 

So blessings upon those who receive,

For in that moment they believe

 

As they excite at bargains sealed,

And faded lost love now revealed

 

Cobwebs blown on their return,

Soaped and polished, friends will learn

 

The story of their new found jewel,

Bought for a pittance from a clueless fool

 

In this new church this hymn they sing

How there is gold in everything

 

But silent prayers reveal the vice,

How priceless memories have a price