So Long But Not Goodbye

So long but not good-bye is
more befitting and exact,
because although you may be leaving,
the ties will not break just like that
You’ve formed a lot of friendships,
some very meaningful and dear,
and so, for most of us, we’ll keep in touch
to keep your presence near.

And, no doubt, storms of great expression
will rain from saturated clouds of
witnesses with odd impressions
of your absence from the crowd.
But despite that you’ll be missing,
assuredly what you will find
are warm, glowing reflections
that keep you present in our minds.

Your retirement leaves hearts heavy.
At the same time, there’s delight.
This is what you’ve worked so long for,
This day, this time, it is your rite.
You’ve been here for such a long time,
you’ve got to feel and know it too
that you’ll always be a part of PTO
‘cause PTO is part of you.

You were practically a child here
when you started long ago,
and throughout these 41 years or so,
we’ve watched each other gracefully grow.
The experience has been an evolution,
quite a life transforming change,
and, no doubt, upon your leaving,
this place and life won’t be the same.

Yet opportunities await you
to press on to other things
and perhaps explore desires
you’ve been harboring in your dreams.
Time to turn over new stones and
facet gem-quality treasures
casting fire of a life
that fulfills and gives you pleasure.

May God now shine upon this milestone,
as we wish you the very best.
Though this chapter now is closing,
in your next one, you’ll be blessed.
You stand at a threshold knowing
you have made it here at last.
but know also, before going
you’re at a gateway to the past.

Therefore, so-long but not good-bye
IS more befitting and, in fact
moving apart we stay connected
when on memories we look back.

And reaching back to our well wishes,
gifting roses while you live,
we wish YOU at least another
Forty-One-plus vibrant Years.

Whatever you may choose, or

Wherever you go,

Enjoy the rest of your life,

After USPTO.

Your friends, co-workers and loved ones.

Back to Poems