Not for Sale

Grandma and Grandpop of never spoke about the Depression –
the Great Depression of textbooks,
they called it “ the Slump.”
What was it like?
I was then 19 –
had studied economics,
was curious to learn fiction and fact … from the matter of fact.

Best not to know,
Lord have mercy it never happens again –
but on second thoughts,
19 is beyond childhood, old enough to vote, or go to war.

Grandma said a man came to the house
selling, but no salesman
a silver tea set : family heirloom.
It was beautiful – the price almost nothing,
but still too much.
The man turned away … and then back
afternoon was leaving, soon it would be night
the price was now whatever my grandfather had in his pocket
– a few shillings
he handed them to the man, and shook his head.