The Salvation Army came the other day
In response to my telephone call.
The refrigerator that no longer worked
Was worth their while to haul.

It was purchased almost forty years ago
To put in the house we bought.
Along with a stove and a car,
Our bank account went down to naught.

My wife was really proud of this fridge
For it was the first one she had owned.
And for all the time she was alive
With food and drink it groaned.

But once I opened the freezer door
To see quite a surprising mess.
Instead of frozen food to eat
There were only clothes to press.

If I had not been given another fridge
I would probably have had this one still.
But something better came along
And its use to me was nil.

So out it went to my back porch
Where it stayed for several years
I used it off and on I must admit
But it finally stripped it’s gears.

After that it had no use at all
Except to gather dust and dirt
And a place for a cat to hide
When he was scared or hurt.

It was handy, just outside the door.
To put things on its top
When there was no room in a drawer.
And behind it hung the mop.

Well, now it’s gone never to return
And although I’m really very glad
As it went out the door at last
I admit I was somewhat sad.

Although now it was only junk
To those who hauled it away
As it was loaded on a truck
I had thoughts of a different day.

jhs