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Thirty-one years on the job, just a child some would say,
When he began working at the factory on that wintry day.
Each day he punched the clock, each night he headed home,
Emitting sighs of release, as he allowed his mind to roam.

His wife of thirty years had been honest, faithful, and true,
Four children he sired amid the adversities they lived through.
She was the love of his life; always giving, always a loving smile.

She was all sincerity and uprightness, with no deceit or guile.

Throughout most of their lives they had been in much accord,
The news he must give her today, he wished he could avoid.
Five more years and he could have retired to begin anew,
At his current age, what was there profitable for him to do?

The car he drove had been a loving gift from his oldest son,
For reasons unknown to him, his son saw him as his icon.
A tear trickle down his face as he thought of his children,
His only desire had been for them to become good citizens.

They were that and much more; he had been truly blessed,
By the standards of society, they had all achieved success.
He never gloated; each day he thanked his God for his life,
It provided him peace, love, and devotion without strife.

As tears continued cascading down his weathered face,
He prayed silently and asked God for His saving Grace.
He drove into his garage and wondered what he would say,
The dreary feelings in his soul he could not convey.

The aroma of roast with carrots and garlic filled the air,
As he pushed open the door and saw her standing there.
All smiles, her face was alight with adoration and trust,
She could still evoke in him feelings of magic, love, and lust.

They stood for a moment and looked into each other's soul;
She knew there was a problem without ever being told.
She took him by the hand, leading him gently to the old table,
Which had been their safe haven when things became unstable.

"Tell me about it," she whispered soothingly as she held his hand,
Thinking back over the years; he knew she would understand.
He looked at her and said the words he never thought he would,
"I'm sorry honey; it seems I can no longer provide for our livelihood.

Today I was let go and told the plant would close in six weeks,
And any way you look at it, our future will be pretty bleak.
I know I promised I would always love and take care of you,
I do not blame you if you leave; poverty you shouldn't endure."

She wrapped her arms around the man she cherished so much,
Whose whispers never ceased to sooth her like a comforting touch.
My darling,'

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