Ambition is not a Requirement for Retirement

I awoke and wiped moon dust from my eyes.
Kissed an ancient tabby cat in the morning light.
The sun found the slats in between his lives.
Nine A.M I gathered just enough ambition.
To peel an orange and crack an egg.

Went outside to water withering pansy faces.
They whispered to me that I was very late.
It hadn't rained for 9 1/2 days.
When I was young, they spoke of another ice age. 
Now they say the planets are quickly burning away. 
Who are "the they" anyway?

I stared into the mailbox's mouth.
It's going to be a fine day. No bills popped out.
I waved to the gray-faced neighbor.
He arthritically waved back.
He's got one foot in the grave.
I'm amused by his smiling butt crack.

I went back inside just before I burned.
Rid the house of egg bits and cat turds.
Tabby tap-danced around my grey turkey legs.
It was about time for an old man's nap.
Dreaming of tabby cats, nuclear annihilation
and a red-haired siren that never came back.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2026

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Be the first to comment on this poem. Encourage this poet.

Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace