Memories linger, vivid as yesterday,
Yet slip through my fingers, like sand swept away.
Oh, to turn back the clock, to cradle the past,
To savor each moment, make every heartbeat last.
The world weighs heavy, a quiet disconnection,
Smiles wear thin, shadows breed introspection.
But in nature’s embrace, I find quiet release,
Where sea breezes murmur and forest songs bring peace.
In meadows of emerald, I rest with the bees,
Their soft hum a balm, their rhythm a breeze.
Through life’s restless chaos, I’ll carve out my way,
Guided by starlight on clear midnight’s stay.
And with every sunset, I’ll dance wild and free,
A quiet joy blooming, fierce inside me.

We were the couple.
Every relationships goal.
Front page, headline news
Now we are painfully polite.
We are familiar strangers.

I have retired from temptations of attention.
I’ve retired from the need to judge.
I’ve retired from feeling like I need that moment,
And I’ve retired from feeling too sad.

I have retired into a place of contemplation —
A place nearby, and where I sit.

I have retired from feeling guilty,
And I’ve retired from needing your yes.

I am retired.