who's next

he counts the days
towards the end. no gold watch.
no group photo.
no nothing,
just a hug, a pat
on the back,
thanks for the thirty
years you put in.
it goes like that now.
the farewell of us is
not what it used to be.
the ceremonial dinner
is at denny's.
some come, some can't
make it, some never knew
you or where you sat
at your desk.
but it's clean
now. ready
for the next guest. who's
next?