“Starting Line For What?” [Reflections On C Stapleton & PC Richman's Book Barter, N.Y.: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1978 - Chapter 2]
So time relates to process, and one’s talent to the trade;
Time is the half the value ’till a process you have made;
Then it is equal in the game, so get to work and learn
The trading game which you desire, then throw the switch and earn.How does that turn around for me if social is the goal?
Time is by far more valuable for it relates to soul;
It’s so much fun to be with you and build community;
The talent that requires of folks can have results we see.It’s faith that’s missing from the mix, just “ethnic” that is left;
A people-building task is one that’s learned in several steps;
For Mennonites, with German, Dutch, and Russian base beneath –
Faith gone, it’s just the money-side that’s left, with wants and needs.Let people in your living-space to do the parts they love,
But really aren’t your favorites, so to back burner shoved;
Spend time engaged with what you love and excel in each day,
The other tasks add to a list that you can trade away.So time and space are assets (which mixed blessings are these days);
And stuff – my gosh have we got “stuff” which we could trade away;
Old habits are quite tradable – they took so long to gain,
So harness them to move you on, so they’re not just a pain.Your skills and talents others want “To sidle up and see
How it is done”, or “Could you make that item now for me?”
Or, “Teach me how to do all that, so I make one too;
And as we go I’d like to chat along this road with you”.What do you have that’s under-used – now there’s a trading chip –
How Ross Perot made all his cash – so put it on your list;
Left-over stuff, and not so good things, in your living space
Are up for grabs, if turned around, and given special place.In setting goals your “social space” could new foundation form
Where building up community is now your social norm;
“Six months to live” or “We are flush” – how would your life appear?
And note what you left off your list which you once thought was dear.It’s not the cash or assets pile which brings the best in life;
It’s more a changed priority, by that I don’t mean, “Tight”;
It’s just that people matter more, and being with them some;
Not viewing them as sources for their stuff, to then have fun.That’s what I hear from Moorish maid there on the Internet;
Much better way of trading, midst incessant drive to “get”;
To me that seems quite doable, within our context new;
And that is what had like to try – and think about it too.Thanks Lord for this.
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