As seasons turn and years roll on,
Key milestones mark our lives.
Not least when careers have been and gone,
Which beyond, true self revives.

Yoke lifted from a weary back,
Brings time not had since young.
Helps steer again some other tack,
To which throughout you've clung.

For days near-filled with gainful work,
Leave passions' growth suppressed.
In lengthening shadow left to lurk,
Frustrated; half-expressed.

So now as workdays cease to be,
And freed of obligation.
Let mind from limitation flee,
Unloose imagination.

Enjoy this hard-earned open end,
To life well lived this far.
And every joyous moment spend,
Being who you really are.

~ For J W & SW ~