We said good-bye this morning my friend of so many years,
We hugged when you walked out the door for the last time.
And though I said I wouldn’t do it, I couldn’t stop the tears.

How many times did we lean on each other for support?
The times we laughed, and even argued will always be in my heart.
I’m happy for you; your work days are at an end.   I knew a little
what you had planned, then you left no doubt when I saw the
retirement papers in your hand.

You’ve given your all and more to this place,  always with a smile
Mixed emotions go through my heart,   I’m happy for you,
I envy you, I’m angry,  but more than anything, I’ll miss you
when you depart.

I look at the office across the hall, so empty and so blue.  One
important thing is missing, and that my friend is you.

So be on your way, revisit the country of your birth.  India is a far
away place, but the miles mean nothing between true friends
Though strangers of different cultures, throughout thirty
years we learned about the other.

We'll see each other once again, but until then, remember I'm always your faithful friend.

                                                     Mary E. Lacey
                                                          2010