The date was circled red on the
calendar
And noted two months from my
birthday
There was no intention of
forgetting
When the funds were to be
deposited
Yet, with the anticipation of a
child
Wishing to open a Christmas
present
Every day I frequented my online
account
Fretting the promise would not be
kept
My impatience was abated
When the allocations were
recorded
Onto my side of a financial
ledger
Registered was more than a dollar
value
But a chronicle of triumphs and
vigilance
Managing the trail of monthly contributions
That began forty eight years ago
With a three year lie upon my age
A timesheet recorded my employment
Paycheck increments attested to my
work
That were then endorsed for deposit
With my seal and sentiment of
honor
Education was my primary
intention
But pleasure flourished along the
way
My greatest attainment was
providing
The assurance for my mother’s
home
The deductions at times seemed
unfair
And congress still contests its
survival
Yet this first social security
compensation
Is fundamentally an accounting of
my life
The endurance to take on the
challenges
And the dignity in completing my
tasks
Pride in my dreams and achievements
Privileged to have shared these
gifts
It is my rite of
passage
I am officially
retired
