Retirement

Twas the night before retirement
when all through the house
the alarms were set and double checked 
all late sleeping would be doused.

The lunch bag was packed
for one last work day meal.
A sandwich and fruit
So full I would feel.

One last time sheet to fill out
One last expense report to file
Count every last hour
and every last mile.

Time to empty the desk
dust the shelves and the file.
Time to say goodbye or farewell
Time to hug; time to smile.

Take home all the stuff
You have collected over 30 years.
Recycle it,  toss it,
or give it to your peers.

All the people you have met,
All the friends you have made
You will carry in your heart
The connections will not fade.

You hope they will think
You have done your job well
Kept working hard till the last
"That Orange-Sue, she was swell."

Words count for something
But actions count more.
What you do when no one is looking
Shows you at your core.

I'm grateful for my career
I've enjoyed almost every minute
Time to let someone else
Make the vocational pursuit.