Special Occasion Poetry.COM

My brother, Robert (we call him Rob) is retiring after 37 years as an electrician for the NYC Transit Authority.  It was his first job right after he graduated from a trade high school.  He worked all of those years out of the "Brooklyn Yard", in Coney Island.  Just as in Trade School (he never missed a day in four years), he rarely took a day off in his 37 years.  We tease him because when he did take a day off, we were sure he needed a trip to the hospital!  He took on a role in management during his last three years, a position he turned down many times over the years.  He was happy being responsible for his own job performance and didn't want to depend on subordinates for a job well-done.  His worries proved valid, because he had a hard time keeping his crew in line and hated every minute of those final three years. He will be moving down to Florida into a house that he and his wife, Linda have dreamed of for most of their lives.  I want to acknowledge his dedication to his job and family and wish him well in his new life.

It all began in a trade school, where in four years never absent were you.

Then, right after graduation, you knew just what you wanted to do

You took the skills you learned in school, an electrician you did become.

You worked many days in your thirty seven years, hardly missing a one.

We feared a trip to the hospital on those rare times when you did stay home.

Such a dedicated employee, you stood pretty              much alone.

After some years in Coney Island, working in the "Brooklyn Yard".

You were offered a job in management because you did work very hard.

You never took  the promotions offered to you over the years.

And when you finally moved up, you did realize your worst fears. 

You had been happy working on your own, doing your job just fine.

Just as you predicted, it was hard to keep your crew in line. 

But, that is all behind you now, and Rob, "Paradise" awaits you.

In Florida, you will have a great life, doing just what you want to do.

Brooklyn's loss is Florida's gain, so we offer you this toast.

As we raise our glasses to Linda and you, please know you're loved the most!

All Love always, To a Great Husband, Father and Brother!

Your sister, Anne and Family

November 2004

-Anne