'Oh, the Places I’ve Applied!'

So there I was at 58.

First angry, then afraid and eventually forced to re-create.

I had no choice but to look deep within

And once more begin.

Invent a new me?

Oh why? Oh why?

It seemed so unfair.

I had certainly done more than my fair share.

Worked long hours, weekends too.

Told, "Sorry.

Go, . . . . . . . . . shoo!!!!!"

I was a faithful employee, until year 31.

Then suddenly.

What?

I'm done?

How could this be?

Well, . . . . . . . . hired was a younger version of me.

A corporate apology, its sincerity void.

"You are now unemployed."

Then, with a stutter and hint of a stammer too,

"Why not you? Your retirement day will be here soon enough."

I was speechless, astounded.

I had no rebuff.

Grabbed I did, the meager severance paper,

and ran out the door, as fast as I could, from that towering skyscraper.

On the way to the subway I stumbled and fell, and thought, . . . . . this is my farewell?

A stranger approached me, long bearded, donned in all white.

He was a rather unusual sight.

So softly he spoke.

"You OK? What's the matter?"

"I've been let go, laid off.

No time for idle chatter."

"Worry not. Get hold of your dignity and talents, too.

You will find your way.

I promise you."

"What, old man?"

My words so rude.

I was certain he was not shrewd.

"Trust me. Start anew. Set your sails in a new direction.

However, I must warn you, be prepared for some rejection. But, in due time,

the ladder of success will be yours once more to climb."

My mouth agape, open wide.

His derision, I yearned to escape.

A charlatan of sort.

I let out a retort.

"Bother me no further, mind your business.

You mere, haggard observer."

And so, the arduous task was under way.

First stop, unemployment pay.

An amount that covered barely a meal.

Beans and rice, forced to find their nightly appeal.

Struggled to pay bills.

Life was on hold.

With absolutely no thrills.

I scratched my head.

Furrowed my brow.

A resume? Really?

I would have to manage somehow.

I began to search.

My anger and frustration grew.

Not even a response.

Nor an interview.

The elephant in the room became quickly apparent.

Awkward bouts of ageism were quite transparent.

Now certainly, I had plenty to offer.

My knowledge was vast.

My expertise wide.

But, it did not matter.

There was an undeniable divide.

Between myself and those others, youngsters of sort.

Competitive, ambitious and a persuasive purport.

Their savvy computer skills.

Oh, I envied so.

How do I become such a techno?

And, the exhaustive list of responsibilities for an entry-level position.

It required the skills and acumen of a seasoned physician.

Nevertheless, feverishly I continued my endless search.

No emails, no cell phone pings.

I was left in a lurch.

Much to my sadness and chagrin.

I felt like I no longer fit in.

Considered old and gray.

No doubt, I had been tossed away.

Each day I continued further down an abysmal path.

Bitter, discouraged.

Enduring the same old wrath.

And . . . . .

Down the rabbit hole I fell.

Indeed, this had become a living hell!

Alone and sad.

I wallowed in pity.

"Oh poor me, poor me.

I once had a job in that big, fancy city."

And then it happened rather suddenly so.

I heard a very distinct echo.

A voice from the past.

I let out a gasp.

"Get hold of your dignity and talents, too. You will find your way.

I promise you. "

These words, no longer held objection.

Suddenly, their significance rang true.

It was time for my new debut.

What followed then, my boisterous roar.

I made a promise to myself, and I even swore.

"Overqualified, under, who the hell knows? No more of these

tantrums and belly aching woes. Onward, forward I march.

Hands on hips. Posture straight. I am the master of my own fate.

Release these shackles, I do so declare. Envy, anger and

self-doubt. Much to do, to accomplish. No time left to pout."

A plan I devised with such thought and precision.

What a dazzling vision!

Contemplative, soul- searching first was required.

Then, an inventory of my talents, passions I had acquired.

What do I like to do?

Write, teach.

Engage the elderly and young, too.

And so it began.

The first step of many.

Opportunities sporadically appeared.

In time, there were plenty.

A writing workshop I taught.

My, what positive feedback it brought.

The seats filled up, as quick as a fox.

I felt like Goldilocks.

I, too, had finally found the most comfortable fit, pleasant a solution,

it ignited my personal revolution.

So if ever you find yourself in this predicament of same.

Please hear me when I say,

"You control the rules of the game."

Pick yourself up and take time to recover.

There's a whole new world to discover.

Embark upon your second act.

Surely, you have a gift, a talent an interesting knack.

Explore your interests, hobbies, too.

I was once a naysayer, akin to you.

I would be remiss in my farewell on this page, not to thank that fellow,

who really was a wise sage.

So correct he was on the corner that day.

            An angel?

            An apparition?

Nonetheless, he was sent my way.

Now, before I bid a final adieu.

Little me.

Well I perpetuated ageism, too.

The profound words of the man dressed in white.

I quickly dismissed and ran out of sight.

I thought, how could anything he say be true?

For God's sake, he was practically 102!

How mistaken was I.

His advice so prudent, to ever deny.

Such wisdom he spoke, when suddenly it crystallized clear.

Sent me happily sailing off to my second career.