Everybody crowded round Derek’s desk

On the day we was retiring.

The office manager said ‘a few words’

Thanking him for everything over the years,

And handed him the over-sized card 

which everyone had signed. 

He was presented with the silver watch,

A token for all his efforts.

His colleagues clapped and whooped

And called for him to make a speech.

Derek gushed that it had been a pleasure working here

And would never forget the friends he’d made.

He wished them all the best for the future

And said he’d keep in touch.

In the days that followed his retirement

when his old phone would ring,

the telephone conversation was always the same. 

I’m sorry, Derek has retired, he doesn’t work here anymore.

Yes, he was with the firm twenty five years, he really will be missed.

But all too soon the replies would change.

I’m sorry, I don’t know anyone who works here by that name.

By Chris Platt

From: United Kingdom