Why Can'T I Simply Retire In Quiet? Poem by Shalom Freedman

WHY CAN’T I SIMPLY RETIRE IN QUIET

Why can’t I simply retire in quiet
At peace with what I have done?

What is this ‘greed’ in me
Which always needs to write more
Which always seeks a greater recognition?
Which always expects some future day
In which all will be made alright?

What is this greed in me
Which needs to go on and on
As if I were forever young in hope?

Why can’t I simply rest in peace in my own life
And quietly accept I have done what I have done
And now am free to enjoy my life
As best I can
Until the end?