So Long, Marlene

So long, Marlene, we mean to say, we'll miss you when you go The thought of you will cheer us through this tide of chill and snow Through winter storm stay snug and warm beside the fire's glow May you abide the growing pride of those who love you so We hope that you enjoy the freedom leaving us has brought Until you find the joy inside is more than what you sought And all the friends you party with exceed the ones you bought You'll know on Monday morning that you're living as you ought When you win friends who treat you nice By choosing love as your device Your heart is filled with sugar and spice You paid the price...sacrifice...head lice...OH CUT THE CRAP MATILDA! To be true, yet concise, this is not a paradise When you conspire to retire you aspire very nice If you dare a plucky price on a pair of lucky dice Then the fire you acquire is a buyer with a vice You're a doer we admire with a zest for cresting higher So your quest for the best must invest you with desire You're a winner not a crier and you always were a trier If you soar out the door then you'll always be a flyer Thank you Mar, our good friend, for the time we had was great Like a star, to the end, you did more than we can state With each bar, that we bend, is the path to share your fate From afar, we pretend, that you care enough to wait.