The cost of living

I was in a supermarket the other day. The scanner wasn't picking up one of my purchases and I jokingly said to the lady at the till that it must be free. Her response, "nothing in this world is free.".

And I replied
Everything comes at a price
A pound of flesh, a bank guaranteed cheque, a money transfer or good old fashioned cash are what's needed to get by

Could someone tell me the price of a friendly smile, a reassuring touch on the arm?
How much does love cost, in its pure, unconditional form?
And the feeling you get dancing in the rain on a hot summer's day?
What do words cost?

Nothing is free
Is that the way life has come to be?

Just words

Burn down the walls of madness
Get high off the fumes
Rage against the machine
But be home in time for supper

Throw off the shackles
Drink from the well of freedom
Live off the land of your fathers
But don't forget to pay rent

Be free
Live with hope
Pursue dreams
But always remember to drive on the right side of the road

Retreat

She retreats delicately
I watch in silence, reluctantly
Do I speak or let her go

Pain

The voices have been silent
The muse was in hibernation
And I
I linger on the edge of words
Their sharp sides slicing the tip of my tongue
Reminding me that they shall still be heard
Whether in pain
Or at the nib of my pen
As it randomly scratches between the lines