You paid your dues

while toiling in the field

and earned a decent income –

and you never did it to “pawn”

and never preyed

on those without a shield —

not pawning and not preying

but constantly praying

as St. Paul urged.

It was your vocare,

your calling to care

and that you did

faithful to the Word.

Now hear the words,

“Well done, thou good and

faithful one who served,”

may you celebrate a

retirement

well deserved.