Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, A BARGAIN SALE, by SAMUEL ELLSWORTH KISER


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A BARGAIN SALE, by                    
First Line: I'm offering for sale today
Last Line: The rubbish must be cleared away!
Subject(s): Hope; Optimism


I'm offering for sale today
A lot of things I'll need no more;
Come, please, and take them all away,
I've piled them up outside my door.
I'll make the prices low enough,
And trust you, if it's trust you need;
Here I have listed all my stuff,
Make your selection as you read:

A lot of prejudices which
Have ceased to be of use to me;
A stock of envy of the rich,
Some slightly shopworn jealousy;
A large supply of gloom that I
Must not permit to clog my shelves;
I offer bargains -- who will buy?
Name prices that will suit yourselves.

A lot of wishes I've outgrown,
A stock of silly old beliefs;
Some pride I once was proud to own,
A bulky line of dreads and griefs;
An old assortment of ill will,
A job lot of bad faith and doubt,
Harsh words that have their poison still;
Choose as you please -- I'm closing out.

I need more room for kindliness,
For hope and courage and good cheer,
Take all the hatred I possess,
The superstitions and the fear;
A large supply of frailties I
Shall have no use for from today;
I offer bargains; who will buy?
The rubbish must be cleared away!





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