Not wanting to waste her valuable time,
I arranged only a half hour with her.
Knowing her daily agenda is filled,
Our routine impromptu chat just won’t work.
Just minutes before my appointment time,
I wiped the remnants of my latest tears.
I looked like I lost an allergy fight,
Before taking my longest walk that day.
I grabbed a handful more tissues, a pen,
My “to do” notepad and my envelope.
I left my office, arrived at her door,
In mere seconds, not the hours it felt like.
Although her office was steps from my own,
It felt like I walked miles to get there.
By now, my nerves gotten the best of me,
As seen by the cold sweat, I broke into.
Her door slightly ajar, I knocked gently,
With her stoic smile, she welcomed me in.
Apologizing her need to wrap-up,
An e-mail she was about to send out.
Perhaps, my formality confused her,
She offered me a seat at her table.
Nervously, I decided where to sit,
I took the chair opposing the desk’s side.
Once the e-mail was sent, she left her desk,
Apologizing again, she joined me.
Taking the chair, directly facing me,
I acknowledged her and let out a sigh.
Our silence was louder than our voices,
Silently, she read my body language.
Granting time to regain my composure,
I wiped my tears again, took a deep breath.
Understanding her leadership style,
I reminded myself to be direct.
With a poker face and staying to script,
My voice cracked like a pre-pubescent boy.
Hoping another deep breath would calm me,
But anxiety riddled my body.
I stated my intent to retire,
Effective Friday, December thirteenth.
With a heavy heart, I shared my motives,
From promises made to new adventures.
Through tears, I mouthed genuine gratitude,
Telling her its time to prioritize me first.
I looked at my friends who jumped jobs often,
They questioned what kept me devoted here.
Knowing deep within why I stayed around,
As the non-cash dividends kept paying.
I spent some of our time reminiscing,
Being truly blessed with a great career.
From having met and made lifelong great friends,
To some becoming extended family.
Grateful for opportunities given,
Celebrating moments and milestones.
Best known for wearing the Y shirt proudly,
I leave a legacy in all I’ve done.
Feeling I overextended my stay,
We brought our intimate chat to a close.
It felt like only a few minutes passed,
Just passed an hour is what my watch showed.
Hearing her voice, supporting my decree,
I felt the weight on my shoulders release.
With the warmth of a hug and parted words,
I held back tears, seeing only a blur.
I walked the same steps back to my office,
Seeing fragments of my years strewn throughout.
Many memorable moments filled my brain,
I sensed this wasn’t a dream I woke up to.
Every item has a story to tell,
Each object has an untold tale to share.
My degrees quenched my thirst for knowledge,
The myriad of books kept me learning.
Seeing my large Curious George collection,
Signifying innate curiosity.
Rekindling a firm gentle reminder,
Be the child who remains curious.
There is thoughtful notes and heartfelt messages,
Along with gifts received over the years.
With the remainder of mix-n-match stuff,
Inviting guests in getting to know me.
When I leave the office, my final time,
I feel tears stream down my eyes to my cheeks.
With no more tissue, I let the tears flow,
Hearing whispers, how real men don’t cry.
Upon closing the door of this chapter,
I leave with my head held high and stand proud.
There will always be a why in all I do,
Even when the Y won’t always be seen.
As I strategize for my next chapter,
I accepted my past without regret,
I handled my present with confidence,
I will face my future without a fear.
I gather my thoughts, dust my memories,
I peruse through years of photo albums,
I scan through many handwritten letters,
Then when I’m ready, I’ll begin writing.
Knowing I am better green and growing,
Then turning red, only to ripen and rot.
In time, just as those parting before me,
I will become another faceless name.
Reflecting my over forty-year journey,
It’s not what I have in life that mattered,
It’s the lives I impacted and inspired,
And those who left their footprint in my heart.
