The Retiree

by Sherwood M Einhorn
(Wylie, Texas)

The Retiree

He goes through familiar motions
Enters and exits vehicles and buildings in his reduced purpose world
Writes of the rain
Writes of the sea
Writes of his feelings
Sheathed in his memories he
Shadows certain people out of reach who claim to love him
As they experience the joys and challenges in their lives
Strains to recall himself as a graduate visiting homecoming
When he was young and energetic and thrived
Cherishes his self-winding watch now
Expressing less and less
Hopeful to observe his offspring
He urges forward
Upon his artificial hips
With his usual resolve
To ponder their prospects
Praying for them
With a knowing smile