Final Bid

Mom and Dad passed on and crossed that mysterious veil. The old farmstead and all they owned are now up for bid and sale. Time to auction things accumulated o'er the years by Mom and Dad. 'Tis truly a most dreaded day leaving us very pensive and sad. Folks came from near and far for this very special event. The auctioneer starts his spiel in a lilting, sing-song chant. Men in overalls, their women in bonnets and colorful calico; Shrewd country-folk bidding for the least amount of dough. First up for bid is Mom's china, her treasured joy and pride, Her very special wedding gift when a young and blushing bride. Multi-patterned quilts made long ago with fingers then so nimble, Each stitch a token of love, deftly crafted with needle and thimble. Next on the block are Dad's John Deere tractor and all his tools, Poland China hogs, Jersey cows and a pair of cantankerous mules. Dad took pride in his herds and tools and they really looked good. He was a well-respected farmer in this his life-time neighborhood. The final bid is offered for the farmstead with its rich, loamy soil, Where for decades our parents nurtured us with love and honest toil. So many things paraded before us today from the early dawn; Each a treasured memory taken by final bid, now forever gone. Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired (© All Rights Reserved)