The End of a Chapter


The final bell had sounded. Happy kids
fled halls and classrooms, out those double doors.  
I heard brief conversations: “Call me soon” . . .
“Hey, let’s go swimming” . . . “Catch ya later, Dude!”
They’d soon return to school, but not to me.

I graded final tests and posted grades
just as I had for decades, but then came
lunchtime with colleagues and unique good-byes,
from some I’d seldom see, some not at all—
for I would never pass that way again.

I filled my car with boxes that contained
a plethora of teaching aids, a mass
of memories of a career—of my
identity since I was twenty-two.
Then, through my tears, I took one long last look,
and made my way toward  my other home.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

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Kauffman Avatar
January 31, 2025 at 12:39 PM
Janice, you so wonderfully express letting go of an integral chapter in your life - ambivalence of leaving one thing behind to embrace your "other home." Congratulations on your win! This is moving and touches my heart as I have moved on from many different teaching, coaching, mentoring situations only to find myself in "new homes." Blessings to you.
Cornish Avatar
January 16, 2025 at 9:08 AM
It's so true Janice, that any lifetime occupation that we have a passion for, is difficult to move on from - you've described that so well here.
Canerdy Avatar
January 16, 2025 at 2:35 PM
Craig, thank you so much for sponsoring and for my win!! Janice
Kendrick Avatar
January 12, 2025 at 9:19 AM
Congratulations on your winning work in Brian's contest. Way to go. Thank you for sharing. Sara K
Canerdy Avatar
January 16, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Thanks a million, Sara! Janice
Bauer Avatar
January 11, 2025 at 1:47 PM
i've experienced this myself, janice, but the strangest thing i've found in my retirement is that i don't miss it AT ALL! i loved teaching up until the very last day and yet, i'm happy to look back at the memories without being there to make new ones. congratulations if you've just retired...
Canerdy Avatar
January 16, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Thanks so much, Irene! Actually, the poem describes how I felt when I retired in 2003 at the age of 51! Then I spend 20 years helping raise my grandkids, now grown. Janice
Lamoureux Avatar
January 11, 2025 at 7:06 AM
A wonderful vocation that I’m sure touched many lives.a big congratulations and blessings for your retirement.
Canerdy Avatar
January 16, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Thanks so much, Richard. Janice
Seeker Avatar
January 10, 2025 at 9:50 PM
Nostalgic. Yet retirement from work is not retirement from life. If there is a strong calling to continue to teach, you can consider joining a school for the underprivileged free of cost; voluntary teachers are always welcome and that too with your rich experience.
Canerdy Avatar
January 16, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Thank you so much, Unseeking Seeker. Actually, the poem describes how I felt when I retired in 2003 at the age of 51! Then I spent 20 years helping raise my grandkids, now grown. Janice
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