I still awaken in the dark cold
to watch ribbons of color tie closed
the sun, wrapped and waiting
below the horizon;
until sun breaks the chords of night
in a quiet song of anticipation,
and rises before my tired eyes
into a blue, partially-cloudy sky.
I remind myself that I am retired now.
Re-tired to sleepless nights of hunger
for more ways to feed my needs,
and naps un-asked for every day.
I cannot resist the unwrapping
of each new, unexpected, gift.
Like any child, I am ready to play
until the final curtain draws a close
to the play I write day by day;
and the last night of the play descends.
And, I shall bid you adieu, my friends.
