I
“When you retire, what will you do?”
People said to me
“I’m not thinking what to do,” I said,
“I simply want to be.”
No deadlines hanging over me,
No lists of what I’ve done
Enough to see what films are on
Enjoy the summer sun.
When sitting chatting with a friend,
No need to rush and go
“You keeping busy?” people ask.
Smiling, I say, “No!”
II
And yet – the busy life I had,
That was happy too.
Focused days; each hour was filled
With always more to do.
A book to write, a class to teach,
Another marking sheet,
A conference call to organise,
A paper to complete.
I wouldn’t wish all that away.
It’s part of she who’s me.
But now I’ve space for more than that.
I’m taking time to be.