MEDITATION ON TIME

Farewell

(On the retirement of five fellow workers at Lederle Labs)

In a masterstroke of unplanning, we are letting go together five of our
finest.

Lederle's preeminence was forged in the crucible of small 
working units, 
Where faceless workers work long and hard in simple ways, 
Removed from spotlight, unmentioned on honor rolls. 
But today, unable to carry the humility any longer, 
We discharge an old debt to honor five fine spirits, before it is too late.

Years to come, when Lederle becomes number one in
industry,
The contributions of engineering will be rediscovered in
full glory,
The five who sit here today in elegant modesty,
Will each have a magnificent story.

In this blissful moment of celebration 
We are too eager to say good-bye to you, 
Not knowing a part of our lives is inextricably 
intertwined with yours.

Did we know you?

We shared the frustrations, the struggles, and the hard
work all these years,
You touched us with your friendship, your concern, and
your smile,
You also touched us with your aloofness, your silence,
and

your anger,
But we will now know you more, when you are away.

You have reached a turning point, 
Where looking back you would rather go ahead, 
And when looking ahead you wished you did not have to change.

You are set free today to explore the freedom,
The unconquerable space of heart, 
Unencumbered with any goals, unmindful of any rewards.

Rejoice, my friends, you have at last earned your rest.