The End of Things
A poem for Mary Pruitt

The end of the day, the end of the week, the end of the year
The so-called end of your career....
When you think about it, the end of things
Is really no end at all.

It's a time of preparation for what's to come
A rainbow of possibilities lies before you -
A chance to explore the things you always wanted to try:
A new garden, a trip around the world, a painting class,
Or simply more time to be who you really are

The end of a season
Just brings in a new time
Sometimes blossoms, sometimes harvests, sometimes simple hibernation.
The end of a day is part of the sun's path
Around again and under the earth
Only to reappear and shine on us
Refreshed, renewed, and full of life.

The end of things is a celebration
Of the completion of a job well done
A resting point in preparation for tomorrow.
An opportunity to make new connections, new friends,
To take new chances and dance new dances.

Yes, we may say goodbye to some
But not within the depths of our hearts
For there live the memories and laughter
That never die. That never die.

So on this journey called life, let us appreciate
The end of things
And take the time to savor our past
As we learn how to season our future.
Because the end of things is really no end at all.
The end of things is just the beginning.