The Singer Not The Song

An old thing, past its use-by date.
Polished sheen on wooden parts
betray an outmoded nature.
Wheels, handles - a treadle -
all of sturdy metal
and not more streamlined plastic.

Skirts, trews, blouses
pairs of modest,
old-fashioned trousers:
a communion outfit
or fancy dress.
A lifetime's clothes
unmade - unless
a faithful servant
serves its purpose.

Let it sit, old though it is,
in a corner by the fire
warming ratchets and gears
and bobbin-spindles.
You can't sell a memory
for the price of a shirt.