When the Hammer Falls

I hear the echo, sharp and clear, The auctioneer draws bidders near. “One... two...” — my heartbeat skips a beat, My dreams laid bare beneath their feet. The years I toiled, the nights I lost, Now measured out, now coldly tossed. My labor sold in shouting calls, Reduced to debt on auction walls. I left my job, I chased the sun, Believed in freedom, thought I’d won. To build a life, to stand up tall, To feed my kin, and have it all. But storms rolled in, the markets died, The people scraped, the spenders cried. The tills grew quiet, the shelves stayed full, And every cent was stretched and pulled. My lender came — a bitter guest, With papers drawn and no request. No helping hand, no softened word, Just legal threats and warnings heard. Each day I watch the deadline near, I taste regret, I swallow fear. I sought out friends, but none could stay They turned their hearts and walked away. The third knock comes — a final call, I brace myself to lose it all. But though no man will lift me high, I cast my hopes beyond the sky. If help won’t come from flesh and bone, Then God, don’t leave me here alone. Before the gavel seals my fate, I’ll trust in You — though help comes late.