Goodbye Christine Poem by Margaret Alice Second

Sun, surf, holiday and sea - is that
what retiring from the NLS will be,
will Christine sing Take my hand,
I'm a stranger in Paradise* as she

Walks along the beach, picking up
pebbles and throwing them into the
sea*, knowing the Carnival is over*,
The Last Waltz is done*

Today she is leaving to start a new
life of freedom while she is thinking:
Say goodbye for I must leave thee-
do not let the parting grieve thee

Christine so efficient, smiling and bustling
around - untiring, busy - knowing where
everything is - ready to please, sharing
days of sweet delight in Kingsley Centre

Laughing and crying, despairing without
air-conditioning, facing the myriad requests
HR presents, doing innumerable quarterly
assessments

Dealing with bureaucratic routine resembling
a game of charades: Christine - you were so
warm and real in a sea of strangers; may you
be prosperous and blessed

And never forget the rest of your colleagues
continuing life in the trenches where termi-
nology and language will languish without
your happy presence…


* References to Popular Songs:

I'm a stranger in Paradise
When The Carnival is over
The Last Waltz
Say goodbye for I must leave thee - There Is A Tavern