Friends - About How Avid Antiquers View Their Most Cherished Pieces

On a long extended trip, to a far off foreign place, In a shop of fine antiquities, this old and friendly face Approached my wife and I and asked, “And where are you folks from?” And I replied, “You’ll be surprised at just how far we’ve come. “We’re from a town called Pinkerton. It’s in the USA. It’s been a couple years since we could really get away, “And we’ve been hoping, somehow, we would find a shop like this To spend some time with ‘friends’…and have a chance to reminisce. “You see, we’ve always loved antiques, our home is like the Louvre, And it would be a ton of work if we’d decide to move.” “Is there something special that you folks are looking for?” He quizzed us once again, and I just had to tell him more. “Now...you’re a man who recognizes authenticity. You know when something’s genuine. It’s guys like you and me “That truly covet finer things, yet not for what they’re worth, But for a fact that’s recognized throughout the planet earth. “Some will say that ‘everything’s for sale’…but that’s not true. I know, at least, with us it’s not…and I’ll bet even you “Have some - ‘special pieces’ - that are simply not for sale. Things that folks have tried to buy, but found…to no avail.” He smiled at us, and softly said, “I'm glad you stopped today. It’s true, I love antiques…and I agree with what you say, Even on my shorter trips I miss my ancient ‘friends.’ And, as you say, it’s nice to get away, but, when it ends, “It’s always great to get back home. Yes…I know how you feel. We’re of a - kindred spirit,” and I’d like to make a deal. “When you’ve finished browsing, may I make a small request? I’d love to visit Pinkerton…and do so as your guest. A chance to get away is nice, but when the traveler spends Portions of his trip enjoying other peoples’ ‘friends’, That becomes a home away from home, and that sounds nice. A place where cherished ‘friends’ are not for sale…at any price!” “That’s a great idea,” I said…“of course the answer’s yes. We truly hope you make it.” Then I gave him our address. We left the shop, reluctantly, exchanging warm goodbyes, With little tears of happiness, and sadness, in our eyes. Sadly, as you might expect, the old man never came, But we will not forget him, and we still feel just the same. Despite he never made it to our home, we see his face. His gentle eyes and friendly smile provide a tender trace. You see…the kindred spirit - in the -- lovers-of-antiques -- Shows no bias as to whom it captivates, or speaks, And absences cause anxiousness “antiquers” quickly learn Will only last from - when they leave their home - ‘til they return! PS: I've now got 4 new Audio-CDs - @ 4 1/2 hours each = (62 diversely varied pieces). They’re listed on EBAY - under - “Mark Stellinga Poetry” - or available by simply contacting me at -- mark@writerofbooks.com -- should those of you who enjoy listening to poems as well as reading them - and particularly those of you that travel - care to be so entertained. (We use safe and simple - PayPal) Cheers, Mark