How will you feel, the lady said

(Someone I have always admired)

When your job is terminated,

Will you be elated

That you can sleep later in your bed?

How will you feel, when you realise

Being redundant is the same as being fired.

I know you won't be overjoyed

When you become unemployed

And a certain pride inside you dies.

How will you feel, when you join the dole queue

Because of age – no longer to be hired,

And because you are no quitter

Will you feel resentful and bitter

Or come up smiling as you always do?

How will you feel, I can only guess

But don't let your aspirations become mired.

Work may be over but life doesn't end.

Fame and fortune could be around the bend

And someone will always need you as a friend,

So I wish you luck and may God Bless.

How will you feel, as you sit a spell

And think back now that you have "retired",

Of the years you worked the taxes you paid,

Of the dreams you had, the plans you made,

As you face the future, will you be afraid?

How will you feel? - only only you can tell.

Queenstown 1994