Set a table for the auctioneer,

the gavel comes crashing down,

going once, going twice,

how long before the patient goes,

we bid for them, but only

if they live for six months or more

as the cost is too high,

we bid also

but can we inspect the merchandise first,

give it a good going over, see its history,

not a person, a thing, an item, cracked

and worn, smoked once, we don’t want you,

had a sip of gin at a nephew’s wedding,