Cornhuskers/Street Window

by Carl Sandburg

STREET WINDOW

The pawn-shop man knows hunger,

And how far hunger has eaten the heart

Of one who comes with an old keepsake.

Here are wedding rings and baby bracelets,

Scarf pins and shoe buckles, jeweled garters,

Old-fashioned knives with inlaid handles,

Watches of old gold and silver,

Old coins worn with finger-marks.

They tell stories.