He had worked sixteen hours a day six
Days a week, for as long as he could
Remember, bone tired he pushed himself
Day in and day out.
Charlie missed out on so many of his
family's special moments, his sons all star
Football game, his daughters solo singing
Recital, someday he told his family, consoling
Them, he would have all the time in the world.
Weeks turned into months and months became
Years, his children now grown with kids of their
Own, Charlie vowed to be the best grandpa,
On the face of the earth, he would be an
Active, loving presence in their lives, but he
Didn't see, life doesn't always turn out, the
Way we want it to be.
Charlie's retirement day had finally arrived,
A day he had been dreaming of, all of his life.
Dinner in his honor, a shiny gold watch, a
Cake with forty sparkling candles, the festivities
Over, he cleaned out his locker, put forty
Years in a box, for the last time he punched,
That old time clock.
As he reached the door, a pain shot through
His chest, Charlie hit the floor clutching his
Box, 911 was dispatched, C P R had begun,
All efforts in vain, he had breathed his last
Breath, Charlie's someday would never come, it
Had been stolen by death.