How do you honor a spouse at a military retirement? We often get requests for a military wife retirement poem or essay that could be read to honor a spouse who has stood by their service member through a long career.
One problem: we don’t know any.
Oh, there is that poem about the angel and the tear (lifted from Erma Bombeck), but it is long and doesn’t exactly fit.
When we met poet Anita Licorish at our Ft. Bragg Military.com Spouse Experience, we set her a challenge: write us a poem that could be read at a military retirement.
Here is Anita Licorish's poem. We would love to see your military retirement poem or essay, too!
Time Out! (A Retirement Poem)
By Anita Licorish
You've done your time, put in your service
This 'next big thing' makes you a little nervous
In pursuit of something more
Now it's time for you to explore
The possibility of rushing to do nothing else
Finally taking more time for yourself
Smell the roses, hear those birds sing
Sit back and do absolutely nothing
Sleep in late, no duty calls
Dreaming of springs and waterfalls
Opportunities for relaxation knock at your door
This is the time you've waited for
Your guidance and leadership will be missed
But let someone else take on that list
Of things that overflowed your mind
It's time to leave them all behind!
Let's face it you've done a lot and it's your time now
Congratulations! You've made so many people proud!
Enjoy your new life, have some fun
Travel more, get more sun
You've shared your gifts of time, talents, and treasures
Growing tirelessly way beyond measure
This is what it's all about
So time out!!!
Hang up your dog tags, hat and boots
We take this time now to salute you
Happy retirement and happy trails
Let rest begin now! So long!!! Farewell!!!
U.S. Air Force photo by R.J. Oriez
