Not My Style

This wasn't an example of my style,
A combination of intelligence
And sensitivity. For sevenpence
And something just a little like a smile
I'll show you: Say you take this rattail file
To work on pieces of broken faience
Once owned by persons of great eminence
Until they're fine antiques. This takes a while.

Then we have auctions, gifts, and private sales,
Where tax deductions are the currency,
Where all my wit and sensitivity
Are called on, and my project never fails.
Not this. This was a botch, a race of snails,
A funeral without a eulogy.